The Shark is Working!

A very awesome morning/afternoon/evening to the ever faithful Detroit Lions fans! Let me start off my saying how sorry I am for not posting these past few weeks. Lots and lots going on but I should not have ignored my loyal readers. You’re probably wondering what the title of this blog has to do with the Detroit Lions. Well I am going to educate you.

Back in 1974 when the movie Jaws was being filmed, a mechanical shark was used for the shark effects. There was no CGI available like in the movie Deep Blue Sea. Anyways the movie was being filmed in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts which was the setting for the fictional town of Amity Island. During production there were so many problems with the mechanical shark that everywhere on the island you heard the film crews say on their radios “the shark isn’t working” or “the shark still isn’t working”.

It was a God ordained miracle that this movie was not cancelled because of the financial toll it was taking. Then all of a sudden the mechanical shark starts working and you heard the crews say “the shark is working” and were able to get production finished in time for it to be released in theatres and drive-ins. So my analogy is this. We have seen the production of the Detroit Lions falter time in and time out. The Lions franchise was not working under Matt Millen but now we have new directors and producers that will get this team headed in the right direction.

There is legitimate hope and I am not just drowning myself in kool-aid. There have been so many changes with personnel, coaches, staff and the general attitude that we are a beater team. I believe great things are coming. By the way that was your five cent trivia. Next time I am going to charge you. Just kidding! Well let me hand out some links from MLive like handing out candy at Halloween.

Here is an audio interview with Ernie Sims on the new defensive schemes. I am a huge Ernie Sims fan and I believe his production will be much better under the 4-3 defense that the Tampa 2.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/ernie_sims_on_wdfn_new_defensi.html

Here is an audio interview with Middle Linebacker Larry Foote. He is so awesome I am so ecstatic that he signed with us. He is the quarterback for the defense. The thing I like about him is his ability to look on the bright side. He said the Lions and the Patriots were in the exact same spot at the end of the season last year, neither made the playoffs and I feel that is a good point of view to have. You either go on to the playoffs or you go home and start the off-season.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/larry_foote_on_wdfn_lions_otas.html

Here are photo slide shows from the Lions OTA practices.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/photos_detroit_lions_ota_pract.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/photos_detroit_lions_ota_pract_1.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/photos_detroit_lions_ota_rooki.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/photos_detroit_lions_ota_pract_2.html

Here are some comments from Coach Schwartz about addressing multiple personnel needs in the off-season and what he sees from some of the players. I am so super stoked about your coach. I was indifferent to Coach Steve Mariucci and Coach Marinelli being hired and they were disasters although I think Coach Mariucci could have had success if Millen had gotten him the right players. I hope Coach Schwartz is our last new coach for an extremely long time as long as he is winning.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/jim_schwartz_lions_had_too_man.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/jim_schwartz_discusses_what_he.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/jim_schwartz_lions_will_explor.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/additional_quotes_from_head_co.html

Rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford seems to be winning over the locker room and so far he is night and day difference from Joey Harrington. The huge question for the Lions in the upcoming season is if Stafford or Culpepper starts? I just hope it is Coach Schwartz’s and Coach Linehan’s decision and no one else's. I would strongly suspect that it will be so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/quarterback_matthew_stafford_m.html

Here are some scouting reports on the OTAs from Lions beat writer Tom ‘Killer’ Kowalski.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/scouting_report_daunte_culpepp.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/scouting_report_calvin_johnson_2.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/scouting_report_ikaika_alamafr_1.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/scouting_report_maurice_morris.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/scouting_report_deandre_levy.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/scouting_report_dominic_raiola_1.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/scouting_report_jordon_dizon.html

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/scouting_report_aaron_brown.html

The latest on Quarterback Drew Stanton is he is the third string guy on the depth chart but so far he is showing enough in practice that he will end up squeaking by into the season and still remain on the team. So far the Lions have not brought in any other veteran quarterbacks into camp. However, once training camp opens that can change. If they do bring in another veteran QB, a possibility worth taking a look at could be Rex Grossman. I feel he is a serviceable back-up and would connect well with the other players.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/drew_stanton_fighting_for_rost.html

One of the better free-agent singings has been OT Jon Jansen the former Clawson, Michigan native and Wolverine stand-out. He was released from the Washington Redskins and like Middle Linebacker Larry Foote was excited to sign with the Lions and help build this team into something we can call be proud of. I suspect he plays back-up RT behind Gosder Cherilus or possibly play RG on the offensive line. Which ever position he plays it is a huge upgrade from George ‘False Start’ Foster who the Lions released once Jansen was signed.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/report_lions_agree_to_oneyear.html

Well that’s about it for now I will have another posting at the end of the week for sure this time because I want to be caught up with MLive’s Lions articles. Sweet dreams in Lions Land everyone and until next time kiddos, GO LIONS!

Chugging The Kool-Aid

Howdy to all of my fellow Lions fans! Well I am sorry I have not posted sooner but life can down pour at times and my arms are tired from bailing the water. Well I am back and that’s what’s important.

There has not been much news as of late because there hasn’t been much to report and most of the sports media coverage is dedicated to the Red Wings and Tigers. Hopefully more news becomes available within in the next couple of weeks. I thought there would be some news what with OTA’s (Organized Team Activities) happening down in Allen Park. Soon it will be that time right before the season starts when the fans get really excited with Super Bowl dreams for their team. I would hope that the Lions win at least 6-7 games and at least be competitive in the losses and not get totally blown out.

I know I am the eternal optimist but here is a story from MLive by Rick Gosselin. Seems I am not the only one drinking or should I say guzzling down the kool-aid.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/rick_gosselin_with_right_moves.html

You know that one special player that fans get really fired up and excited to see play? Well the Lions drafted Louis Delmas the Safety from Western Michigan University could very well be the next Bob Sanders and for those of you who don’t know Bob Sanders is a super great Safety for the Indianapolis Colts. I feel he will truly be a motivating force not only in the locker room but for the fans to get behind. I love this kid’s work ethic and yes maybe the kool-aid is spiked a bit but I really feel this team is putting some great pieces in place.

Here is a link from the “Mike In The Morning Show” on 97.1 The WRIF with Coach Jim Schwartz as a guest in studio. A long radio segment but well worth listening too! I love our coach not only is he intelligent but he is a rocker! And how cool is that when you can say your head coach is rocker? I really don’t see Bill Belichick head-banging to Metallica
http://my.wrif.com/mim/?p=2101

Here is a link from Tom Kowalski talking about DT Sammie Hill our 4th round pick, We have been notoriously bad in drafting in the 4th round so hopefully Hill will be a reliable run-stopper.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/sammie_lee_hill_another_fourth.html

I am not sure if anyone knew of former Kansas City Chiefs Coach Frank Gansz but he died a couple of weeks ago. He used to be a Special Team coach with the Lions.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/former_lions_special_teams_coa.html

Here is a video with Tom Kowalski on NFL Network post-draft.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/tom_kowalski_on_nfl_network.html

The roster cuts have begun and the notables are QB Drew Henson, TE Michael Gaines and CB Travis Fisher. So here are those stories if you are interested.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_release_qb_drew_henson.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/to_make_room_for_brandon_petti.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/purge_continues_lions_release.html

The biggest off-season edition to the Lions is signing ex-Steelers Middle Linebacker Larry Foote. I am so hyped about this edition and not only does he plug a major hole in defense but a veteran presence to help guide the rookies and other veterans to play better. Here are some interesting stories from Tom Kowalski about him.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/was_larry_foote_in_the_lions_p.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/if_lions_are_interested_larry.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/larry_foote_says_he_has_agreed.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/source_larry_foote_turned_down.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/its_official_larry_foote_joins.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/lions_larry_foote_doesnt_belie.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/larry_foote_happy_to_back_home.html

Here are some interviews from the Huge Show with Bill Simonson, most of which are his typical Lions bashing. Also some stuff from Brian Van Ochten of the Grand Rapids Press. I will present differing opinions even the Lions bashers have a few intelligent things to say not that I really agree with their view points.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/bill_cubit_on_the_huge_show_wm.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/brian_vanochten_on_the_huge_sh_3.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/jim_miller_on_the_huge_show_co.html
http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/05/twominute_drill_podcast_lions_1.html

Here are some stories from Tom Kowalski on the first mini-camp for the rookies. They are not that long so don’t feel overwhelmed like there is a lot of reading required because there is not and you guys have the freedom to choose which links you want to check out or not.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/draft_picks_look_to_impress_at.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/louis_delmas_is_the_most_impre.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/lions_coach_jim_schwartz_matth.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/stafford_draws_praise_from_oth.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/walled_lakes_justin_goltz_does.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/rookie_brandon_pettigrew_to_be.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/lions_deandre_levy_makes_move.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/lions_louis_delmas_finally_cas.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/louis_delmas_among_standouts_a.html

This one has a photo-gallery from Mini-Camp.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/photo_gallery_detroit_lions_ro.html

This link has a photo-gallery from the OTA.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/photo_gallery_detroit_lions_ot.html

Here is an audio interview with Tom Kowalski talking about the second-day draft picks and like I have been saying is give this team the benefit of the doubt. We won’t know if these guys are busts for at least two years.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/tom_kowalski_on_wghn.html

Now an interesting decision is when Matthew Stafford takes over the QB spot. I believe the Lions are trying to avoid the pitfall of the Joey Harrington situation where he started right away and it was a total disaster.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/lions_will_fight_temptation_to.html

Here are a couple of stories about QB Drew Stanton and his speculative future with the Lions.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/lions_stanton_shrugs_off_no_3.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/lions_qb_situation_daunte_culp.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/lions_qb_drew_stanton_faces_to.html

As some of you may have heard former Detroit Lions President and General Manager Matt Millen has been hired by ESPN as an analyst. Just saying his name makes we want to throw-up my dinner which wasn’t very good by the way. I was browsing through some of the comments on this story and one stuck out in particular. sweeney71 commented “for some reason i feel like a spousal abuse victim who their X lover with someone new.” Obviously not an English major but I have to agree. Bill ‘Huge’ Simonson said watching Matt Millen doing football commentary is like watching Osama Bin Laden on the Fox News Channel talking about the War On Terror. Anyways good riddance and by our pain and suffering other teams can learn from our mistakes. I wouldn’t wish this disaster of a GM or someone like him even on my most-hated foes like the Bears, Viking or Packers.
http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/05/espn_hires_matt_millen_one_of.html

I am glad we picked up TE Brandon Pettigrew who is going to be a great blocking Tight End and should be a major weapon for Matthew Stafford. Here is a quick tid-bit on him.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/05/scott_linehan_brandon_pettigre.html

Here is an audio interview with Brian Van Ochten with the changes to our defense.
http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/05/twominute_drill_podcast_kudos.html

Well my fellow Lions fans that's about it for now. I will get another post out soon hopefully not as long as a wait int between like this one was. Until then GO LIONS!

The Glass Is Half-Full & Half-Empty!

A very good day to the finest fans in all of football, the Detroit Lions fans. Well the draft has come and gone. I know some of you are unhappy with the direction they took and the mantra of building from the inside out, took sort of a back-burner. It wasn’t the direction I probably would have taken. I support the decision to take QB Matthew Stafford with the number one overall pick though. When QB Jon Kitna was traded to Dallas and Jim Schwartz was named Head Coach it was a given we were taking a QB in this draft.

Here are a couple of articles from Brian VanOchten of the Grand Rapids Press about his view of the Lions draft strategies. He does not give a very good assessment. To each his own but I do see his viewpoints and if I had been calling the shots I would have made a few of his suggestions.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_ignoring_of_defense_on_d.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/secondday_reaches_cap_strange.html

Here is a rather disturbing scenario for the first day of the draft what if WR Jeremy Maclin was sitting there at pick 20 and the Eagles who selected him passed on him instead? I can guarantee the Lions would have drafted him with their 20th pick. The second part of a jaw-dropping day one draft would have been if the Cardinals hadn’t selected RB Chris Beanie Wells with their pick the Lions would have taken him at the top of the second round with the first pick. Now that would have been a really tough pill to swallow. You ignore DL and OL positions completely and take THREE offensive weapons. I could make the rationalization that with so much offense the Lions could sustain offensive drives keeping our defense off the field and truly stick it down other team’s defensive throats. So we were lucky in this draft that we got a QB, TE and a Safety because it very well could have been QB, WR and RB.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_mightve_taken_beanie_wel.html

Well here we go with some links on some thoughts from Tom Killer Kowalski. http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/matthew_staffords_contract_wit.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/matthew_stafford_must_win_over.html

This one has Tom Kowalski’s analysis on the first three picks.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/player_bios_more_on_the_lions.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_focus_on_offense_with_fi.html

Here are two chat blogs one with Tom Kowalski and the other with Philip Zaroo, really long reads with people asking questions and worth it if you have time to scan through. I actually had one of my comments posted in the chat blog for day 2 with Philip Zaroo which was made shortly after the Sammie Lee Hill pick.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/live_blog_nfl_draft_day_1.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/live_blog_nfl_draft_day_2.html

Here are some tidbits, highlights, positives and audio interviews on each of the ten players the Lions selected in the draft.

1. QB Matthew Stafford Georgia Jr
http://stats.mlive.com/nfldraft/players.asp?id=136155
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/matthew-stafford?id=79860
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_matthew_stafford_agree_t.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_qb_matthew_stafford_i_wa.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/matthew_stafford_i_really_didn.html

2. TE Brandon Pettigrew Oklahoma State Sr
http://stats.mlive.com/nfldraft/players.asp?id=114052
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/brandon-pettigrew?id=71431
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/brandon_pettigrew_detroit_lion.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/detroit_lions_take_oklahoma_st.html

3. S Louis Delmas Western Michigan University Sr
http://stats.mlive.com/nfldraft/players.asp?id=126286
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/louis-delmas?id=71279
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/western_michigan_safety_louis.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/louis_delmas_theres_no_such_th.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_say_size_isnt_an_issue_w.html
http://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2009/04/louis_delmas_to_lions_im_ready.html
http://www.mlive.com/broncos/index.ssf/2009/04/the_best_of_louis_delmas.html

4. LB DeAndre Levy Wisconsin Sr
http://stats.mlive.com/nfldraft/players.asp?id=132285
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/deandre-levy?id=71365
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/detroit_lions_grab_wisconsin_l.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/deandre_levy_said_lions_talked.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_will_try_deandre_levy_at.html

5. WR Derrick Williams Penn State Sr
http://stats.mlive.com/nfldraft/players.asp?id=124921
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/derrick-williams?id=71517
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_draft_wide_receiver_derr.html

6. DT Sammie Lee Hill Stillman College Sr
http://stats.mlive.com/nfldraft/players.asp?id=123732
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/sammie%20lee-hill?id=79571
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_use_fourthround_selectio.html

7. RB Aaron Brown Texas Christian University Sr
http://stats.mlive.com/nfldraft/players.asp?id=133343
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/aaron-brown?id=89690
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_take_running_back_aaron.html

8. T Lydon Murtha Nebraska Sr
http://stats.mlive.com/nfldraft/players.asp?id=118291
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/lydon-murtha?id=81853
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_use_first_of_three_seven.html

9. LB Zack Follett California Sr
http://stats.mlive.com/nfldraft/players.asp?id=135558
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/zack-follett?id=80640
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_take_second_linebacker_o.html

10. TE Dan Gronkowski Maryland Sr
http://stats.mlive.com/nfldraft/players.asp?id=101512
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/dan-gronkowski?id=81829
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/one_pick_before_mr_irrelevant.html

Here are some more player bios for the second day picks.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/player_bios_lions_secondday_dr.html

Now I really like our picks and as fans we need to unite behind them, support them 100% and hope they are successful and make huge contributions on the team. Some of the later round guys probably won’t be starters but developmental players, add for depth and can step in at times and make plays. I give them a solid B for a letter grade in this draft. The reason I give them a B is they grabbed four of the top picks in each of those positions QB, TE, S and Kick Returner and the reason I don’t give them an A is because of their choices and prioritizing in the third round.

We needed a QB desperately. Kitna was traded, Orlovsky was a free-agent, Culpepper is a short-term solution and Stanton and Henson are not starters. I am glad we grabbed a TE in the draft but thought it would have gotten a back-burner priority with more desperate needs in front such as Middle Linebacker. Drafting Pettigrew who is a really strong run blocker gives Stafford a huge weapon on offense and rookie QBs best friend is what kiddos? You guessed it a Tight End.

Here is a funny clip called the Matthew Stafford Song which is pretty good.
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/05/the_matthew_stafford_song.html

I like the Tight End Dan Gronkowski pick. With him and Pettigrew that gives our Tight End situation some serious teeth. I remember watching the NFL Combine and was really impressed with both of them. I love the Safety Louis Delmas from Western Michigan University and a fitting nickname for him is the heat-seeker. He will really strengthen the secondary and hopefully be our version of the Steelers Troy Polamalu.

I LOVE the DT Sammie Lee Hill pick. That kid is going to be a monster! He once saved a man from a burning home by going in and pulling him out. Not that this means a lot but he has a couple of tattoos and one of them is a lion on his chest wearing a crown. Maybe it’s fate much like the fact that Matthew Stafford is from the same high school as Bobby Layne.

Here are some interesting audio interviews with Tom Kowalski about taking Matthew Stafford and other thoughts on the draft.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/tom_kowalski_on_wrif.html

Here is an audio interview with Coach Schwartz discussing whether to start Culpepper or Stafford.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/jim_schwartz_on_matthew_staffo.html

The Lions have already started building on the 2010 draft by acquiring the Denver Broncos #5 pick.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_trade_sixthround_pick_to.html

I apologize for not getting this out there sooner but this week has been a really busy one. I try to share links with stories that are relative that have a lot of good information and the draft weekend had TONS. I left out quite a few links but wonder if I didn’t cut enough. I appreciate you all taking the time to read my blog or at least browsing through it. Tom Killer Kowalski who has been the Lions beat writer for the better part of two decades brings a lot to the table so I reference his and the other writers at MLive's work. They are the only really good sources outside Pat Caputo of the Oakland Press and Brian VanOchten from the Grand Rapids Press.

There are a lot of sports writers that just bash the Lions and DO NOT help anything with their barrage of negative attacks and venomous criticism. I criticize also but I give suggestions on how this team can be better. Well anyways it’s later than I wanted to get this blog entry done so I am going to post now. I will have another one sometime mid-week about some of the Unrestricted Free Agents as well as the drafted rookies from this weekend’s rookie camp. Until then keep the faith and GO LIONS!

We Are Here!

We Are Finally Here!

Howdy to all of you out there in Lions Land!

To start off immediately the Lions and Georgia Quarterback Matthew Stafford have come to terms and Stafford will be our number one draft pick, the face of our franchise and our QB of the future. Here is the late-breaking story from MLive that broke at around midnight.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_matthew_stafford_agree_t.html

Here are a few audio interviews with Tom Kowalski about drafting Matthew Stafford.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/kowalski_on_wdfn_they_say_you.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/tom_kowalski_on_the_huge_show_1.html

Well everyone we have finally arrived at the 2009 NFL Draft. I know a lot of you are feeling nervous, apprehensive, worried, concerned, excited and or optimistic. I would have to say I feel a little of each. I put a lot more weight on optimism than the others. If the Lions had not had come to an agreement with Georgia Quarterback Matthew Stafford then there were a couple of contingency fall-back plans with Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry or Baylor OT Jason Smith.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/source_lions_have_aaron_curry.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/if_jason_smith_enters_talks_it.html

I know a lot of the Lions fan base would have liked OT Jason Smith or LB Aaron Curry. I am sold on pretty much ANYONE providing it’s not a WR or RB. We have multiple needs and we really can’t screw this draft up. You would really have to try in order to do that. Now that the Lions have drafted Matthew Stafford then they will most likely go Defense the rest of the draft with the possibility of snagging the last really good OT Michael Oher at pick 20 if he is available or LB Rey Maualuga to plug the gapping hole at middle-linebacker.

Here are a couple of Mock Drafts from Brian VanOchten of the Grand Rapids Press in regards to who goes where in the first round.
http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/04/nfl_mock_draft_lions_to_land_q.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/nfl_mock_draft_lions_to_land_q.html

What we need to remember is this is the first post-Matt Millen draft. This is GM Martin Mayhew and President Tom Lewand’s first draft and they deserve the benefit of the doubt. I sincerely believe the decision to draft Matthew Stafford is Head Coach Jim Schwartz’s call because he realizes our QB depth chart will make you laugh until you cry. Now before Jon Kitna was traded to Dallas I was of the opinion that we stick it out with Kitna for one more year and snag our QB next year when some others would be finishing up there senior year i.e. Sam Bradford from Oklahoma, Colt McCoy from Texas or Tim Tebow from Florida.

When Jon Kitna was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, Dan Orlovsky signed as a free-agent with the Houston Texans and Schwartz was named Head Coach, that was a given we were taking a QB in this draft. Now I believe that because of the Lions awful history, other QB prospects decided to return to their colleges out of fear of getting drafted by the Lions. WOW what a bunch of scared schoolgirl cowards! Not Matthew Stafford though! He welcomes becoming a Lion and wants a challenge.

Even if we didn’t hold the number one overall and we were somewhere in the top ten, I suspect he would be holding out hope beyond hope that the Lions pick him. I think he has more courage and commitment then most other QBs and he is accountable. In one of Georgia’s few losses under him as a starter, he was asked about his performance; he manned up and said “I didn’t play well” not making excuses, or throwing his teammates under the bus. That is accountability and that is a rare quality.

Some of you are scared that he is another Joey Harrington disaster waiting to happen. I won’t and can’t believe that. I believe he is the real deal. I am 100% behind the Lions decision to draft Matthew Stafford. Just like a presidential primary, different sides need to unite for party unity and get behind the party’s candidate. It is truly a great day to be a Lions fan and we need to unite as a fan base and support the Lions and Matthew Stafford.

I like to reference a lot of stories from MLive which is why I like to share the links with all of you because unlike other media sources, they are local insiders that have some really keen insights.

Here are some stories from MLive about the logo and uniform change and speculation about what they will do in the draft.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/photo_gallery_lions_unveil_new.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/tom_lewand_lions_new_logo_will.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/whats_new_about_the_lions_logo.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_transformation_continues.html

This one also has Dan Miller discussing the draft.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/dan_miller_on_wzam_new_logo_is.html

These few have Lions President Tom Lewand discussing the draft.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/tom_lewand_on_wdfn_new_lions_l.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_president_tom_lewand_wer.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/president_tom_lewand_gives_rar.html

Let’s talk a little defense. Something the Lions were sadly lacking in the past two years. There are some real potential pro-bowl defenders the Lions can pick up this weekend. Here is an article from Tom Kowalski about a few of those picks. We do need to target a Defensive Tackle to upgrade our run defense and they will have to snag one this draft especially with the departure of DT Cory Redding to the Seattle Seahawks.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/questions_about_defensive_line.html

Here are a couple of articles from MLive about the needs of Corner Back.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/cornerback_isnt_worst_of_posit.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/sean_smith_lions_might_eye_you.html

Here is an article on the need for the Middle Linebacker.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_hoping_to_grab_middle_li.html

One of the Lions many needs on Defense is a Safety for our awful secondary that got a whopping one interception last year! WOO-HOO! And by the way I am being extremely sarcastic in that enthusiasm.

Here is a story from Tom about Missouri Safety William Moore, some pros and cons and another article examining the Safety situation.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/william_moore_at_safety_he_can.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_still_in_need_of_gamecha.html

Though it’s a done deal with Matthew Stafford here are a few stories on arguments on drafting defense and not taking Matthew Stafford. The first is from Mike Schottey of www.DraftTek.com Check out this site also, it has some interesting mock draft scenarios. The other audio interview comes from the Huge Show with former Lions QB Greg Landry.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/nfl_draft_expert_interview_mik.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/greg_landry_on_the_huge_show_t.html

Here is an interview from MLive by Rick Gosselin an NFL Columnist on what the Lions should do in the coming draft.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/nfl_draft_expert_interview_ric.html

Here is another story about meeting the need for a Tight End but I suspect we won’t be able to get one this draft.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/nfl_draft_expert_interview_dan_1.html

Here is a podcast from Brian VanOchten of the Grand Rapids Press on what the Lions will do in the draft.
http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/04/twominute_drill_podcast_lions.html

Here is an interview from the Huge Show with Bill Simonson interviewing Head Coach Mark Richt from Georgia making his case for QB Matthew Stafford.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/mark_richt_on_the_huge_show_ma.html

Here is an interview with Lions GM Martin Mayhew on the coming draft, an article from Tom Kowalski about the job Mayhew is doing and a video of Dan Miller interviewing Martin Mayhew.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_gm_martin_mayhew_very_co.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_gm_martin_mayhew_showing.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/detroit_lions_gm_martin_mayhew.html

I know I might have gone overboard with all of the links that have lots of audio links but they are worth taking the time to listen too. This is a new dawn for our Detroit Lions. We can only hope that the coaches and the front office are all on the same page and will meet all of the critical needs for this team. Best of luck to the team and everyone have a safe and fun weekend. I will be at Ford Field for the Lions Draft Day Party. I will have a post-NFL draft most likely on Monday night reviewing the Lions draft picks. Until then take care, God Bless and GO LIONS!

Hope your hungry for Detroit Lions News

Howdy all in Lions Land,

One week to go until the draft! WOO-HOO! Happy days are coming I can feel it! We are now 7 days away from the NFL Draft and thus far the Lions have not signed the number one overall. Does this mean a trade is in the works for the number one? We can only speculate because the Lions front-office has been so tight lipped about everything, we can only guess. I would have thought the Lions front office would have the player signed since Martin Mayhew wants it done before the draft. Maybe they have a preliminary deal in place and are just waiting on getting a few i’s dotted and t’s crossed. This is one of my biggest entries on my blog filled with lots of links. There is a tone of info so please eat up and enjoy.

The Lions have released their 2009 schedule which you can check out here.
http://www.detroitlions.com/section_display.cfm?section_id=13&top=21&level=2

I am always the optimist when it comes to the Lions so I am going out on a limb and say the Lions will go .500 an even 8-8 record. But if they achieve between 5 and 7 wins that is a good step in the right direction towards getting some respectability in the league, avoiding the number one overall pick next year and opening the doors for free-agents that want to come to a competitive team and not a complete burnt-out wreck. The schedule is difficult the first half, starting with a game on the road at the New Orleans Saints but it gets easier as it goes. Thankfully our bye week is after week 6 and not an early bye like we are always stuck with.

Brian VanOchten from the Grand Rapids Press assessment of the Lions schedule is a bit bleaker and you know maybe he is a realist. I am a kool-aid drinking, ready to leap off a cliff with the other lemmings fan so I cannot be too objective when it comes to the Lions expectations. Here is his story from MLive about the Lions schedule including an interview on the Huge Show with Bill Simonson. We are not going 1-15 like Bill Simonson is suggesting. He is nothing but a Lions basher so you cannot take anything is says as credible. Just like Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press, both men have grown so bitter that they believe nothing good will ever become of the Lions.
http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/04/early_look_at_the_lions_schedu.html

On Monday the Lions will have a press conference on the new logo and uniform change. Check out the press release from the Detroit Lions web site.
http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=483516
http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/04/readers_respond_lions_right_to.html

Lions QB Daunte Culpepper is back to old-form, getting in much better shape and ready to be the teams’ leader. It’s not that I dislike Daunte Culpepper but he is not the long term solution. He is short term; especially if they draft Matthew Stafford they will guide him and prepare him to be the starter. Here are a couple of articles from MLive about Daunte Culpepper preparing himself in camp.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/daunte_culpepper_looks_good_ot.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/daunte_culpepper_looks_sharp_a.html

As most of you have heard John Madden has decided to retire as a football broadcaster which leaves Cris Collinsworth as the voice of football. I am sure going to miss John Madden. I really enjoyed him calling Monday Night Football with Al Michaels. I wish him all the best in his retirement. Here is that story from MLive.
http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/04/cris_collinsworth_replacing_jo.html

Coach Jim Schwartz is mixing it up in the locker room and working hard to build team chemistry. They have assigned parking and have made new locker assignments. The team needs to be much better cohesively. I believe they are making great strides in that area.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/gerald_alexander_practices_lio.html

The Lions have added a couple of new faces to the locker room, WR Ronald Curry and FB Terrelle Smith.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_view_ronald_curry_in_slo.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/lions_sign_free_agents_wr_rona.html

Here is a Podcast from Brian VanOchten about draft possibilities.
http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/04/_matthew_stafford_jason_smith.html

The decision to draft Matthew Stafford, Aaron Curry, Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith is a crossroads. If you take Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe you have immediate payoff on the O Line. If you take Aaron Curry you get a pro-bowler linebacker. If you draft Matthew Stafford you have a franchise quarterback for the next ten years. Matthew Stafford was on the Jimmy Fallon show this past Thursday doing a little skeet shooting with a football. You need to check out this video it is pretty sweet.
http://blog.mlive.com/highlightreel/2009/04/video_skeet_shooting_matthew_s.html

Pat Kirwan senior draft analyst from the NFL has a story about team needs in the NFC North which also includes a video from Lions beat writer Tom Killer Kowalski about the Lions draft possibilities. The information is somewhat old but a few valid points are still relevant.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d80f808a3&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

Mel Kiper from ESPN believes the Lions should draft Matthew Stafford. I also need to sort through some confusion. I was initially against drafting Matthew Stafford because as anyone can see the O Line and D Line have major gapping holes in them. Matthew Stafford is just too good to pass up. A lot of fans out there are against this because we have been so bad in drafting QB’s Joey Harrington, Andre Ware and Chuck Long as some prime examples. We need to get over that fear collectively.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/mel_kiper_sticks_to_his_guns_a.html

To further solidify the argument of taking Stafford with the number one overall there is little chance of getting a QB with the 20th pick in the first round. If the Lions draft Curry, Monroe or Smith with the number one overall, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman and Matthew Stafford will all be gone by the time we get to the 20th. So then they might take a QB in a later round like Graham Harrell from Texas Tech. Here is an interview with Chad Reuter, a draft expert who explains the depth of QB’s in this draft class.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/nfl_draft_expert_interview_cha.html

Here are two articles from MLive highlighting pros and cons if the Lions play it safe with Aaron Curry or Eugene Monroe. Here are those articles by Tom Kowalski about risks and rewards with both of those players.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/aaron_curry_will_the_lions_go.html
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/eugene_monroe_still_in_the_run.html

So much attention has been given to the Lions number one spot but what about the 20th pick? Well it depends what they do with the first and what other teams pick before they get to the 20th which is the most obvious. We can hope that the last good OT Michael Oher is there at 20 but if not there is hope of taking LB Rey Maualuga to play middle.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/rey_maualuga_will_lions_finall.html

So with the Second Round pick I would like to see the Lions take James Laurinaitis to play middle if they take OT Michael Oher at the 20th spot in the first round. Then take the best DE and DT or a Safety with the two picks in the third round. Well that’s about it. I am going to have another post sometime mid-week after the new colors and logo have been announced and hopefully we know the number one pick. Until next time GO LIONS!

Are We There Yet?

Hidy Ho to all of you out there in Lions Land,

Remember when you were a kid on a road trip with your family and you would ask “are we there yet?” over and over again? This is what it feels like waiting for the Lions to sign their number one. Well my Lionettes we are 1 week and 6 days away from the NFL Draft which will start the process of our team rebuilding through the draft and getting competent, quality football players.

So far the Lions have not signed the number one pick but the front-office will want the deal done before the draft. It is either going to be OT Jason Smith from Baylor or QB Matthew Stafford from Georgia. Either one will be a good thing, no let me correct that, a great thing for our team. I have said that Matthew Stafford is no Joey Harrington and will be a franchise QB which we sorely need. If they draft Jason Smith our OL gets an immediate shot in the arm and Culpepper will get needed protection. I feel this is a win-win whichever direction the Lions front office goes in.

If they do sign Stafford the downside will be that he will carry a clip board for the coming season and see if any playing time barring something happening to Culpepper like injury or failing to lead the team. Culpepper, Stanton and Henson will all be gone after this year. Henson will most likely be cut when the NFL mandatory roster cuts are made at the start of the regular season. Stanton and Culpepper both have a year left.

So in terms of long term strategic planning they sign Stafford, have Linehan and Culpepper guide him and get him ready for next year. However, the question arises if they draft Stafford do you draft one of the high-profile QBs next year like Colt McCoy or Sam Bradford? I would believe they would draft one of them and then have them battle it out for the starting job when the lines to protect and defend are better met.

Here is a link from MLive with Mel Kiper from ESPN suggesting the Lions should take Stafford.

http://blog.mlive.com/twominutedrill/2009/04/mel_kiper_lions_must_take_matt.html

Here is a link from MLive by Tom Kowalski about Coaches Schwartz and Linehan need to put the stamp of approval on Stafford. I am OK with Stafford if Schwartz and Linehan want him. They are both intelligent coaches that know talent. If they say he is our guy then we need to back them up and support them on this draft decision. I am starting to get the impression that Mayhew who ultimately has the final decision is getting what the coaches want. If we take Stafford the implication in this year’s draft is we need to take the best LB available at pick 20 in the First Round and target Defense with the Second Round, and two Third Round picks. We do not have any picks in the 4th or 5th rounds unless we trade our two 6th round picks to trade down and get another teams extra 4th or 5th round pick. To be honest I am not sure if that scenario would even be likely.

Here is an interview on MLive from Bob Gaunt a draft expert with some of the possible directions the Lions might go in for the coming draft. It is a really insightful interview and answers quite a few questions.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/nfl_draft_expert_interview_jer_1.html

Here is another interview from Tom Kowalski on MLive about the Lions not drafting anyone until they are signed first.

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/tom_kowalski_on_wghn_lions_won.html

I was going to host a draft day party but I am going to Ford Field for the Detroit Lions Draft Day Party. Here is the link with some of the details if anyone is interested in going. Maybe some of you want to work out a carpool. It’s one of those things that should be on your Bucket List if it isn’t already.

http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=483448

Tuesday the NFL will announce team schedules and I will have comments on that in my next post and also when the Lions will most likely announce their choice for the number one draft. Well everyone until next time GO LIONS!

Dodging A Bear

A very good morning/afternoon/evening to my fellow Lions fans,

Since Tom ‘Killer’ Kowalski is MIA, I will have to fill his shoes in the interim until he resurfaces. There has been very scant news from MLive and other sources which befuddles me because we are three weeks away from the March Madness of the NFL, the draft. There have been no free-agent signings, potential draftee visits or any other major announcements. So maybe Tom Kowalski is on vacation and will return soon.

There hasn’t been much attention give to the Lions as of late since most sports coverage have been on the Red Wings, Pistons, Pre-Season Tigers and of course our Michigan State Spartans in the Final Four!

Thanks to two of the bestest Chiefs of Staff in the Michigan State Senate alerting me to the Jay Cutler trade that went down on Thursday late afternoon, I will give my input on this breaking news trade. The Denver Broncos have traded QB Jay Cutler and their 5th round pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for QB Kyle Orton, their 1st and 3rd round draft picks in this years draft and their 1st round pick in next years draft. Wow, that price tag is extremely high and there wasn’t a chance the Lions could or would match that.

Here are a couple of articles from the Detroit Free Press Online and MLive about the Jay Cutler trade.

http://www.freep.com/article/20090402/SPORTS01/90402116/1049/Jay+Cutler+traded+to+Bears

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/04/broncos_deal_jay_cutler_to_the.html

The Lions could have matched that deal but it would have been a colossal gamble to give that many picks plus a player in exchange for a late round and a whiny QB. I wish he hadn’t had been traded to the Bears since they are a division foe. We now have to face him twice a season for the foreseeable future. So we will have our work cut out for us on Sundays when we face the Bears. That is the bad news but the good news is the Lions dodged that roll of the dice. Like the rest of you we can only hope that after years of taking beatings from Brett Favre and the Packers that Jay Cutler and the Bears aren’t following in that tradition.

I could not imagine a worse scenario if the Lions traded under those conditions. That would have been totally contradictory to the Lions front office philosophy of building this team through the draft, not free agency or trading draft picks away. The situation with the Bears is their OL is not the greatest although they signed OT Orlando Pace which will bolster their OL. However, they do not have a solid core of WRs, their DL is rebuilding and with surrendering draft picks they won’t have much depth. The Broncos will be able to stack their team with good players and add depth. The Bears got the worst of this deal. I am so thankful to God that the Lions didn’t take this bait.

I can only imagine Matthew Stafford jumping and screaming with excitement over this trade announcement. He wants to be a Lion. Even if he wasn’t a potential number one I sincerely believe he is hoping beyond hope that the Lions acquire him. He believes it is his destiny to lead the Lions. To me that is very hard to argue against. A lot of players are shunning the Lions because of our dismal past but he welcomes it.

Here is a scenario where I can see Stafford wearing Honolulu Blue on Sundays. Say the Lions draft Jason Smith the OT from Baylor with the number one overall. Stafford will in all probability be gone by the time we get to our 20th. Damn you Cowboys for not having a crummier season! Say the 49’s or another team drafts him, the Lions could make a trade on draft day to them and give them our 20th and hopefully we can bait them with one our 6th rounders but most likely it will be one of our 3rd rounders. I know some you might say “then why don’t we just draft him number one overall and be done with it?” The reason is Jason Smith is WAY too good to pass up and WILL BE gone within the first few draft picks. He will give the Lions immediate pay-off value for at least ten years.

If the Lions do draft Matthew Stafford number one overall I am OK with it. We do need to get over the fear of him being a potential bust like Joey Harrington. I believe he is a solid QB that we will get value out of. I will eat my hat if he is a bust but I am going to go out on a limb here and say he will be good for our team. I just might even pre-order a Stafford jersey. Hell I used to have a Joey Harrington and a special thanks to my brother Kevyn for taking that one off my hands.

Other than that there is nothing else to report on as far as the new logo, schedule, and draft scenarios other than my tid bits that I just gave you all. I would like to share Kenny’s version of the NFL if I controlled the NFL world, which like I sometimes say ‘it can happen, it can happen’.

NFC

EAST
A. New York Giants
B. Philadelphia Eagles
C. Washington Statesmen

WEST
A. Seattle Seahawks
B. Arizona Cardinals
C. San Francisco 49’s

NORTH
A. Detroit Lions
B. Minnesota Vikings
C. Chicago Bears

SOUTH
A. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
B. Dallas Cowboys
C. New Orleans Saints

CENTRAL
A. Cincinnati Bengals
B. St. Louis Rams
C. Green Bay Packers

ATLANTIC
A. San Antonio Scorpions
B. Atlanta Falcons
C. Carolina Panthers

AFC

EAST
A. New England Patriots
B. Buffalo Bills
C. New York Jets

WEST
A. Denver Broncos
B. Oakland Raiders
C. San Diego Chargers

NORTH
A. Baltimore Ravens
B. Pittsburgh Steelers
C. Cleveland Browns

SOUTH
A. Richmond Rebels
B. Jacksonville Jaguars
C. Miami Dolphins

CENTRAL
A. Houston Texans
B. Tennessee Titans
C. Indianapolis Colts

PACIFIC
A. Portland Rhinos
B. Los Angeles Lynx
C. Kansas City Chiefs

As Porky Pig would say 'That's All Folks'. From what the players are saying, there is a new attitude and culture forming and our team will be far better come September. Until then take care, God Bless and GO LIONS!