The Gridiron Growl | Detroit Lions

Picture of the Week: Kevin Smith gets his head shot off

2010-08-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

That's right! Training camp is underway and Kevin Smith is back on the practice field as he and Jahvin Best battle out the running back position. One thing people like about Jahvid Best more than they like about Kevin Smith is Best's ability to catch the ball and make big plays after the catch. Well, it looks like Kevin Smith has been doing just fine catching the ball:or maybe he's not catching the ball at all in this picture, maybe he's closely inspecting the stitching, or maybe the ball is just coming in so fast that it's about to take his head off... Whatever the case is, I'm glad he's back and looking healthy.

Number of the Week: 40

2010-08-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

The amount of dollars, (in millions) that Ndamukong Suh will be payed by the Detroit Lions in the next 5 years. He could make as much as $68 million, but that all depends on who he turns out to be. $40 million guaranteed is $10 million less than 1st overall pick Sam Bradford got. Interestingly enough, if you divide 40 by 10 you get 4 which equals: the number of days Ndamukong held out for to get this contract done. Some resented him for it, some understood that he wasn't the only one to blame. But either way, we're happy he's finally in camp and getting to work.

Here's to our brand new "face-of-the-defense."

Tuesday Bonus: Ndamukong the Hunter

2010-07-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

Nike Pro-Combat-Hyper-Strong . . .
That's one long name for a glorified pair of compression shorts.
But I'm not gonna lie, that commercial makes me want to buy them!

Picture of the Week: Tim Toone Shares the Wealth

2010-07-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

That "Cult Hero" battle between Tim Toone and Zack Follett might heat up with some more pictures like this.

Number of the Week: 11

2010-07-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Matthew Stafford's spot on Sports Illustrated F ortunate 50 list. Pretty insane for a 2nd year Quarterback. Speaking of 2nd, the pick of Jahvid Best was voted the 2nd best offseason move by Lions fans at DetroitLions.com. #1 is still to be announced, but we all know it's gonna be the pick of Mr. Suh. Did you know that Ndamukong Suh had 12 sacks in 2009 as a Husker. If he were to get 12 sacks in 2010 as a Lion, that would be 1/3 of the Lions sack total from 2009. Multiply 3 by 7 and you get 21. Did you know that Darrius Heyward Bay is making more than $21,000,000 he's #28 on Sports Illustrated's Fortunate 50. #28... hmmm... Maurice Morris is #28. Maurice Morris' longest play when playing against the Seahawks (his former team) on 11/08 was an 11 yard reception. Weren't we just talking about 11?

Picture of the Week: Zack Follett's "Camp Elevation"

2010-07-21T05:15:00.000-07:00

When Tim Toone was drafted, Jim Shwartz said that Zack Follett had a competition for favorite "cult hero." But man, Tim Toone had better start making some crazy videos before he can compete with Follett.

This picture is a freeze frame from Follett's, Camp Elevation video as he "prepares" for the season.

You gotta love the guy.

Number of the Week: 6

2010-07-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

The percent of votes Zack Follett received from Lions fans when the question, "Which 2009 draft pick will have the best 2010 season?" was asked. 6% percent is exactly where fellow linebacker DeAndre Levy stands. If you divide 6 by 2 you get the percent of voters who believed Brandon Pettigrew would be the best 2009 draft pick in the 2010 season. Interesting enough, because Brandon Pettigrew was selected 215 picks before Zack Follett in the 2009 draft. Divide 215 by 5, Drew Stanton's number; a guy who dropped back since the signing of Shaun Hill, and you get 43. No one on the Lions wears number 43, but flip the numbers and you get 34; the number worn by Kevin Smith. Speaking of Kevin Smith, did you know that he scored 8 touchdowns in 2008 and 4 touchdowns in 2009? That averages down to 6 touchdowns per season, our number this week! What a coincidence!

Picture of the Week: Fans look heavenward

2010-07-12T07:37:00.000-07:00

Apparently this young Lions fan believes we'll be at the top pretty soon. Or maybe he's saying we need some help from above... Either way, he looks pretty stoked for the upcoming season!

Player Spotlight: Cliff Avril

2010-07-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

On April 27th, 2008 the 3rd round of the NFL draft was shaping out quite interestingly for the 7-9 Detroit Lions. After being fairly quiet in the first two rounds the Lions were making some noise in round three, taking Kevin Smith at #64 and trading up to get Andre Fluellen #87. However, the third round noise-making didn't stop there. The 3rd round was coming to a close when the Lions had one more move in their pocket: they traded up a second time in order to pick Purdue DE Cliff Avril, a player labeled, "tweener" by NFL scouts. He was small, (6-3 253 lbs.) and many projected him as a better OLB than DE. Scouts loved his speed, his athleticism, his versatility, and his work ethic. But many said he wouldn't succeed in the NFL due to his small frame.

Well, Rod Marinelli was out to prove people wrong. He picked Avril to be a system player, the small end rusher in his Tampa 2. Avril proved he could play during the preseason, getting 2.5 sacks while only playing 3 games. Despite a solid preseason and camp, Avril was unable to get into the starting line-up. Stuck behind Jared DeVries and another one of Marinelli's system players: DeWayne White. But after Avril got a sack/forced fumble two games in a row, (week 12 and 13.) Marinelli finally decided to give him the start in Week 14. He starterd the rest of the season and recorded 2 more sacks and another forced fumble, finishing the season with 5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.

But of course, things changed after the 2008 season. Mat Millen was gone, Marinelli was gone, his defensive line coach was gone, and now he had to prove himself to a completely new staff and a completely new front office. He started 11 of the 16 games in 2009 and only recorded 5.5 sacks in the entire season. He failed to show that burst of speed and intensity that had been his strong point in 2008. He seemed too laided back to play on a defensive line and Gunther Cunningham pointed this out to him, telling him he needed to find his, "mean streak." Sure he showed flashes of the exciting rookie from 2008 but most of the time he was invisible on the field. There were entire games where he would not be noticed at all. But despite a weak season Avril did finish well, recording 3 of his 5.5 sacks in the last 5 games of the season, and 2 of his three forced fumbles in the last 3 games of the season.

But even with a strong finish, he knew there was plenty of work to be done. So he started working. At minicamps and OTAs Cliff Avril made himself known on the field. During drills and in the workout room Cliff Avril constantly showed intensity and a hunger to learn, grow, and become a better football player. And more than all this, Cliff Avril was confident. But despite all this work, some people weren't comvinced that Avril could be the man, and come draft day, rumors of an Avril trade were all over the place. It was so intense that one Dolphins site even posted that a trade between Detroit and Miami had been finalized, a trade that would send Avril to the Dolphins for a 5th round draft pick. However, that was soon uncovered for what it was, nothing more than a rumor. When Jim Shwartz was asked about it later he confidently assured the media that there would be no Avril trade. He stated with conviction that he was extremely happy with how Avril had been working this offseason and he would certainly be staying with the team.

Some players would not take trade rumors like that lightly. They would let the rumors bother and anger them, but not Avril. He took it all in stride. He was confident in his own ability and he knew his coaching staff had confidence in him, so he worked all the harder and continued to gain respect from his coaching staff and fellow players.

The same word used to sum-up Tim Toone and Chris Houston can be used to sum-up Cliff Avril: potential. We all know he has talent, we all know he can use his speed and quickness to wreak havoc in the backfield. The question is, can he do that consistently throughout an entire season? He's going into a contract year in 2010 and if he doesn't perform this season, much like Chris Houston, he might not get another legitimate shot at being a starting defensive end. On the other hand, if he does perform, I'm certain he'll be signed to a long term deal.

Cliff Avril knows this year is a turning point in his carreer. He knows it and he has responded accordingly: hitting the weight room, playing with intensity in practice, being a leader at mini-camps and OTAs, and all-in-all just working hard. But perhaps more important than everything I've said about Avril's work ethic is the relationship he's built with Lions free-agent acquisition: Kyle Vanden Bosch. As soon as Vanden Bosch was brought to Detroit, Avril made it a top priority to form a strong relationship with the powerful defensive lineman. Avril has kept his eye on Vanden Bosch constantly during practice and is always asking questions about technique, form, and preparation. In addition to the mentor role Vanden Bosch has been playing for Avril, Vanden Bosch's presence on the field (along with other offseason additions to the defensive line including Ndamukong Suh and Corey Williams) will also help the young defensive lineman have more opportunities as the offensive line will have a lot more to take care of then just Avril.

In the end, I expect big things from this kid. Both Chris Houston and Tim Toone have a lot of potential but still have a big chance of busting for the Lions, but I can't see Avril being a total bust. He works too hard and has too much skill in my opinion to flat out bust. He likely won't become an allstar DE, but I expect him to be a solid starting defender for the Lions for a long time to come.

Keep an eye on this kid. He has a lot to prove.

Number of the Week: 3

2010-07-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

The number Week 11, Lions vs. Browns was voted in the list of Top 10 Regular Season games of 2009, a game that will seize your heart and fill it with warm chills until you can't help but love Matthew Stafford to death.

Speaking of Matthew Stafford 3 squared equals 9: Matthew Stafford's number; and 9 squared equals 81: Calvin Johnson's number. Calvin Johnson, as amazing as he is, only had 5 touchdowns last year. I am fairly confident that he can at least triple that total in 2010.

And that brings us back to our original Number of the Week: 3. Which is interesting because Dre Bly, who was signed by the Lions this week, has 3 letters in both his first and last name. That makes for a total of 6 letters. Very intriguing you know, Dre Bly had 6 interceptions his first year with the Lions back in 2003.

What can I say? 3's a good number.

Picture of the Week: Sammie Reaches for the Skies

2010-06-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I think this drill looks like that cruel taunting game people do with animals. Flash a scrap of food or something in front of their face and then pull it away when they jump for it, making them heartbroken and foolish-looking. Don't let 'em mess with you like that Sammie!

Player Spotlight: Chris Houston

2010-06-28T05:43:00.000-07:00

On the 8th of March 2010 it came through the wires that Chris Houston, cornerback from the Atlanta Falcons and former 2nd round draft pick, was being shipped to Detroit in exchangefor a 6th round pick. The trade made perfect sense. The Falcons had been upgrading their secondary during the offseason and Chris Houston had not been performing like they drafted him to, so he no longer had a place in Atlanta. The Lions had a weak secondary that needed upgrading and Chris Houston is a player that came into the league with a lot of potential. I repeat, a lot of potential.

Chris Houston grew up in Texas, the farmlands for good young talent. When he graduated high school he made the decision to attend the University of Arkansas. It took two more years for him to become a full-time starter, but once he got the job he proved he was worthy of it. Houston became known around the SEC as a "shutdown" corner, taking players that would late become NFL stars and starters, such as Robert Meachem, Andre Caldwell, Dwayne Bowe, and Sydney Rice, out of their games against Arkansas. In his Junior year Houston posted 45 tackles,

3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 13 passes defended. After a solid Junior year Houston made the decision to declare early for the NFL draft, and that appeared to be the right decision because draft analysts loved him. NFLdraft.rivals.com raged out his speed and ability to make a play on the ball: "Houston has the rare speed to match up in the deep game and the quickness to close on the ball that few athletes possess ... He shows very good awareness in coverage with the ability to locate the ball and the top burst of speed to make a play." CDSdraft.com called Houston strong, physical and aggressive, saying that "Houston takes many receivers out of the play immediately after the snap with a great jam at the LOS." His success in the football field was not the only thing that made draft analysts love this guy, he also had one of the best combines out of any player from the 2007 draft. He ran a 4.32 40, had a 36 inch vertical jump, and benched 27 reps. "Strength, speed, and athleticism!" people thought as the reviewed this draft prospect.

With the type of scouting reports Houston was getting, coupled with an amazing combine, everybody expected this kid to go in the first round. But he fell. He fell far for such a promising prospect. Maybe it was because of his bad hands, limiting him as an interceptor threat, maybe it was his weakness against the run, or perhaps (most importantly of all) his character was in question. Houston dropped out of the first round and down the boards in the second. But when he was available as the 41st pick was coming up, somebody showed interest. The Falcons traded up and picked him at 41, undoubtedly thinking they had just gotten excellent value for a 2nd round pick. Analysts thought so too, calling the pick, "The steal of the 2007 draft" saying that Houston would become a "Top 10 cornerback within three years."

Instead, three years later, Houston was being traded for a pick four rounds later than what the Falcons used to take him. So what happened to this prospect who had such potential?

His stat sheet does not look outrageously terrible on paper. In his rookie season he posted 58 tackles in only 11 starts. In 2008 he had 16 passes defended and

two interceptions, one taken back for a touchdown. But what the paper doesn't show is that Houston was a liability in the secondary, getting burnt because of mental errors or allowing a score because of poor tackling. All those scouting reports about how he could take receivers out of games with his physicality at the line of scrimmage didn't transfer to the NFL. He wasn't physical, he didn't play aggressively. What analysts NFL GMs had feared about him was true, he had bad hands, hardly ever coming down with an interception, he was terrible against the run, and he simply didn't have the work ethic to make it. Falcons fans call him, "A bum ... lazy player ... a huge bust ... a disappointment." They were happy to get rid of him, even though they got very little in return.

So why did Martin Mayhew go after this guy? Why even spend a 6th round pick on a guy that could become just a liability? It all comes back to the word we started with: potential. For Chris Houston, this is it. This is his last legitimate shot to make it in the NFL. If he doesn't perform in Detroit, Mayhew will pull the trigger and he'll be out, likely to never get another real opportunity. And fortunately for the Lions, Chris Houston knows this. He knows he has to perform, he knows he has to prove he can play this game at it's highest level or he could be bagging groceries for a living.

The things those NFL scouts said about Houston weren't lies. It's true that he's fast, strong, and can be aggressive. It's true that he's shown he has good instincts and can make plays on the ball. It's true that in college he shut down guys that went on to have success in the NFL. But several guys have loads of potential and never perform on the field. So what's the key to unlocking potential you know is in someone? Answer: work ethic. That will be the determinate for Chris Houston's entire career. Can he work hard enough to become a solid cornerback. Because in the NFL, unlike in college, one can't simply rely on raw talent for success. It takes hard work and dedication to be able to perform in the NFL. That's something Chris Houston never learned in Atlanta. He got a big contract, a lot of money in his pocket, and thought he could sit down and relax. But like I said earlier, this is the end of the line for Houston. The pressure is now on. If he doesn't perform, he's done. That's what's working for us in Detroit, and hopefully that will work for Houston as well.'

Detroit fans are split on the issue of Chris Houston. Some think he will become a solid starter for the Lions, others believe he will be just another free-agent/trade bust who will never pan out. The variety of opinions exemplifies the wide-open nature of this situation. Chris Houston could become an excellent NFL cornerback, or he could be gone by the end of the season. It all depends on how Chris Houston responds to the pressure put on him.

Will he realize that this is his entire career? That if he does not perform here and now he might never get another shot as an NFL starter again? And will that pressure cause him to work hard and play with passion? Or is he too set in his ways to change his entire attitude towards the game of football?

It's an intriguing situation. And I hope, as Lions fans, you all will give him a chance. He has potential, like I've been saying over and over again. So don't count him off just yet. But on the other hand, don't get too high on him. He has real issues with his play and they need to be addressed. But there is hope. There is hope for Houston, there is hope for the Lions secondary, there is hope for the future.

Hope is a word Lions fans are familiar with. Let's just hope that "hope" doesn't betray us this time...

Number of the Week: 8

2010-06-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

The number of wins Louis Delmas predicted for the 2010 season.

8 is a familiar number for Lions fans. It was the number worn by QB Jon Kitna, who was also one for predicting an exact number of wins. He predicted 10 in 2007. It didn't work out so well Jon. The team fell 3 games short and finished at 7-9.

Which is very interesting, seeing as 9 is the number of letters in Ndamukong Suh's first name! What a coincidence: Suh said he expects to make the playoffs this year!

That's the second year in a row we've had a young player predicting a playoff birth. Last year Kevin Smith predicted one. Not only has it happened two years in a row, but it has also happened TWICE this year.

That's right! Louis Delmas thinks we're gonna make the playoffs also! Which brings us back to our original topic: 8. Did you know that Louis Delmas had 8 passes defended last year?

Picture of the Weak: Louis Delmas

2010-06-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Looks like he plays Bocce with the same intensity as football. Just look at that game face.

Player Spotlight: Tim Toone

2010-06-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Tim Toone joins the Lions with the "honor" of being made the 2010 Mr. Irrelevant. But ask the dudes over at Weber state and they will tell you Mr. Toone was anything but irrelevant. He was the first Weber State receiver to break the 3000 receiving yard mark, he had four receiving touchdowns in one game during the '07 season, he had a 19.9 yard punt return average with two 90+ yard TD returns, and best of all, his teamates call him "Tarzan" because he hasn't cut his hair in 3 years.

A little fast white receiver with dreadlocks... who does that remind you of? Well, minus the dreadlocks: Wes Welker. Tim Toone has intangibles and the work ethic to become that kind of receiver. A frustrates defenses and causes mismatches in the slot position. But some would question just how effective he could be at the next level having played his college ball in a conference like the Big Sky Conference.

In a situation of uncertainties, one thing is for sure: he won't be coming in expected to fill the role of slot receiver. He was brought in to compete for the punt returning and kick returning positions. Spots that wreaked of iconcistoncy from players who couldn't quite put together solid performances, players like Aaron Brown and Derrick Williams. If Tim Toone can sieze one of those spots he'll make the roster. If he can make the roster than he'll have more chances to prove himself. If he proves himself as a punt returner or kick returner he could be given some playing time in four or five wide receiver sets. If he performs in those situations he could steal the slot man job from an aging guy like Dennis Northcutt. The doors are open for young talented guys like Toone, all they need to do is work hard and take hold of the opportunities given them.

As a part of being the Mr. Irrelevent pick Tim Toone was treated to a weak in Southern California where all sorts of shin digs and events were held in his honor. He was even presented with the "prestigous" Lowsman Trophy. (a spoof off the Hiesman trophy that features a player fumbling the ball.) Some players hold tight to their pride and refuse to be given the mock "honors" but Tim Toone has a much better sense of humor. "Some say it's better than being the #1 pick." said Toone. And as a side note, wouldn't it be totally awesome to have a touchdown pass thrown by the first pick in the 2009 NFL draft (Matthew Stafford) to the last pick in the 2010 NFL draft. (Tim Toone)

I think Tim Toone could really be something special, but I'm not the only one who thinks that. Jim Shwartz also had some pretty posotive comments to make about the kid. "He's been very productive [as a punt returner.] He brings good skills there because he's got really good quickness, so that's one of the things I think he has a chance to do." But Shwartz even has hope for Toone beyond Special Teams: "One of the reasons we ended up drafting him, was his ability as an outside slot receiver."

Whatever the future has in store for Tim Toone, remember this: he's a great kid. He's 25 coming into the NFL because he spent two years serving in West Africa as a part of a Mormon mission. He's dedicated to his friends and family. He absolutely never stops smiling. He's mature and he works hard at everything he does.

I'm telling you, don't forget about this kid. I fully believe he can be the next Wes Welker, and when he is, remember that I said it here first.

Picture of the Weak: Catch the Tire

2010-06-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Jordan Dizon and DeAndre Levy don't need expensive complex workout machines, they just find a huge tractor and pull the tires off:

Number of the Weak: 2

2010-06-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

The number of OTAs the Lions must forfeit due to their violation of CBA rules on length of offseason workouts.

Also, the maturity level of Albert Haynseworth.

Restore the... GROWL!

2010-06-19T08:08:00.001-07:00

The GRIDIRON GROWL is back! And better than ever.

We will be more focused on slight features of Lions football instead of trying to be a lead news site. There will be three weakly features: Number of the Weak, Picture of the Weak, and Player of the Weak. These features will be accompanied mostly by amusing statistics or stories.

So stay tuned. We're all in this together.

GO LIONS!

First win in... a long time!

2009-09-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

That's right, the Detroit Lions finally got a W after 19 straight losses, tied for the second longest loosing streak in NFL history.

Breaking down the W:

When it comes down to it, the Lions won because they wanted it more then the Redskins did. Anyone who watched that game saw a lot more heart from the guys in blue then the opposite team, and that desire ultimately determined the outcome of the game.

Specific players had particularly impressive performances including Matthew Stafford, throwing for 241 yards and a TD, but more importantly he didn't turn the ball over. He responded well to pressure and threw the ball away when he had to.

DeAndre Levy stepped up big-time as he filled in for Ernie Sims. Levy made some key goal-line tackles and limited any rookie mistakes in coverage.

Kevin Smith was running the ball very well before he hurt his shoulder and had to leave the game. Smith should be back by next Sunday, and we certainly need him back because he was finally getting the kind of running game we need to support Stafford.

Bryant Johnson had a big game with 4 catches, 75 yards and a big TD catch. Now we just need to get the other Johnson more involved...

Looking toward next week:

Next Sunday we head over to Chicago for a big game. Jay Cutler and his Bears have been impressive the past two weeks in beating the Steelers and the Seahawks, so the Lions really need to step up the play to be in this one at the end. First of all we have to get the run game going. I will continue to stress this as I believe to to be utterly vital. Matthew Stafford needs help from a solid running game and when he gets it he plays so much better. Stafford needs to have another no-turnover game, we can't give the Bears short fields and easy points. The defense needs to stop the run and get to Cutler. The Bears have an extremely weak receiving core so Larry Foote and the linebackers need to keep the TE Greg Olsen from having a big game. All-in-all, we have little chance of winning this game; but if everything works the way it should (and we catch a few breaks) then a two game winning streak is possible.

Week 1 (Lions at Saints)

2009-09-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

Well after a long leave of absence we're back to work at the Gridiron Growl. Recently I've been behind in several areas and as I became overwhelmed in busyness I decided to put the Gridiron Growl to the side for a little while. My schedule remains full so I certainly won't be able to blog everyday but I hope to update at least once a weak with a game preview or the latest news.

Lions at Saints: 9/13

Who we're up against:

The first thing most people think of when the New Orleans Saints are mentioned is the potent passing game lead by the out-standing QB Drew Brees. Brees has been a top-tier QB in this league for a long time and he has the ability to shred most passing defenses. The Saints running game will be somewhat shaky going into Week 1. Reggie Bush has never lived up to the hype of his #2 overall pick and he comes into the season with questionable knees; having played little in preseason due to injury. The majority of carries were expected to be given to young Pierre Thomas who had shown potential in his two seasons with the Saints but Thomas will not play on Sunday due to a knee injury.

On defense the Saints have been weak over the years. They have strong defensive ends in Charles Grant and Will Smith but other then that they are no more then average. The Saints used their 1st round pick in CB Malcolm Jenkins but he is not expected to start on Sunday.

Keys for the Lions:

One offense the Lions absolutely have to get the running game on track. The Saints have had weak run defenses in the past so Kevin Smith has to come out hard and fast. The Lions o-line has done a decent job of run-blocking in the preseason and that will be an essential aspect for performance on Sunday. If the Lions can sustain a good running-game through out the match it will take pressure off Matthew Stafford and keep the ball out of Drew Brees' hands. Kevin Smith should be helped out by veteran Maurice Morris and rookie Aaron Brown to change the pace. Personally, I'd love to see Brown come in and make some big plays, something he's certainly capable of doing. Secondly, Matthew Stafford must play well. He won the starting job over Daunte Culpepper and it will be essential for him to not only prove to the fans and coaches that he was the right pick, but also to his fellow players. But he won't be able to perform if the o-line doesn't protect him well and if the running game doesn't come out hot.

On defense the Lions have to stop Drew Brees from tearing them apart; and in the end I believe it will come down to the pass rush. If Drew Brees is given all day to throw the ball there's no doubt he will destroy the Lions secondary. But if the Lions can get pressure on the QB they will be more able to force incompletions or even sacks and interceptions. Look for Gunther Cunningham to bring some intricate blitz packages on Sunday to make sure Brees' is under pressure the whole game. Another factor on defense will be the performance of our rookie starters. Louis Delmas needs to make plays and not get burned, and Sammie Hill needs to shed blockers and stop the run or get to the QB.

Predictions:

(Realistic) In the end, the Saints air attack will be too much for the Lions shaky secondary:

Saints: 28 Lions: 10

(Optimistic) Kevin Smith is on fire, the o-line gives Stafford enough time to throw to Calvin Johnson, and the Lions get pressure on the quarterback:

Lions: 24 Saints: 21

What's up with the Lions? (7/30)

2009-07-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

In the past few weeks the Lions have been working on rookie contracts. So far eight have been signed: 1st round selection QB Matthew Stafford; (signed before the draft) 2nd round selection FS Louis Delmas, 3rd round selection LB DeAndre Levy, 4th round selection DT Sammie Hill, 6th round selection RB Aaron Brown, 7th round selection LT Lydon Murtha, 7th round selection LB Zack Follett, and 7th round selection TE Dan Grankowskie. Only two picks remain to be signed: 1st round selection TE Brandon Pettigrew and 3rd round selection WR Derrick Williams. Tom Lewand has commented saying all draft picks will be signed before the beginning of training camp.
With the signing of rookies the Lions have been forced to release veterans in order to create roster space. In the past weeks the Lions have released RB Antoine Smith, S Tra Battle, and DE Rudy Hardie and DE Eric Hicks.
The Lions have also signed veteran CB Will James.
The Lions have announced their 2009 training camp schedule which was specifically designed to welcome and excite neglected fans. The Lions will hold semi-closed practices from August 1-4 that will only be open to season ticket holders and and sponsors. After that there will be an open-to-the-public practice almost every day totally in 18 open practices. As a bonus the Lions will be holding unique fan day that will be called “Lions Uncaged.” These open practices coincide with lower season ticket prices in one big attempt to rejuvenate and re-excite fans about Detroit Football.

Position Analysis: Quarterback

2009-06-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Season:
Every Lions fan out there knows that the 2008 season was utterly horrible at quarterback. The line couldn't protect anybody so whoever was playing either got sacked a ton or threw careless interceptions. None of the five QB's that played had much to show for in the NFL.

Jon Kitna was certainly on the decline from a spot that was never all that high to begin with. He completely threw away the week 2 game against the Packers with his multiple late game interceptions. He had big disputes with the coaching staff and they had problems with him as well. As a result Kitna was placed, unnecessarily, on IR.

Dan Orlovsky had never started before in the NFL; and there had been a reason for that. He came in inexperienced and unprotected. I do give the kid credit though for how hard he worked. I think towards the end of the season he wanted that win just as much if not more then anybody. He just didn't have what it takes to be an NFL starting QB, especially in an offense that had been ravished by poor management.

Drew Stanton was never given the chance he deserved from a coaching staff that was holding an immature

grudge against him. When he came in he played fine. But he was never in for more then a few plays. Jim Colletto pushed Stanton aside because Colletto didn't like the way Stanton's throw looked. Immature, I know. Who knows, maybe Stanton would've been our best option at QB; the guy who would've given us the best chance at a win. But because Colletto and Marinelli didn't like him, he never got a chance.

Daunte Culpepper came in in the middle of the season, out of shape and unprepared. It's tough to enter an offense in the middle of the season; especially at the QB position. Because you have no time to learn the playbook, create chemistry, or settle into the system. Plus Culpepper was very out of shape not having played football for a while. All that to say, he was rusty; and it showed.

Drew Henson is a third string QB and most everyone knows that.

Offseason acquisitions:

Need I even say his name? Well, Matthew Stafford is obviously our hope at QB now. The #1 overall pick out of Georgia, a kid with a

huge arm, loads of talent, leadership ability, and confidence to top it all off. There's a reason the Lions have invested over $40 million guaranteed to this kid: the future of our franchise now rests on his shoulders. All of you have read the scouting reports and watched the tapes of this kid play; so I'm not going to go into lengthy detail about all of his features. I just want all reading this that I believe the pick of Matthew Stafford was the right pick to make, and I believe that down the road we all will reap the benefits.

This wouldn't count as an "acquisition" but I think it's important to mention: Daunte Culpepper looks like a completely new guy out there. He came to the first mini-camps having lost about 40 lbs. He now ways less then he did back when he was playing pitch and catch with Randy Moss in Minnesota. Culpepper is determined to be the best he can be, and that determination is showing in his work ethic. He will go into the season having a full training camp and offseason program under his belt. He'll obviously be comfortable with the playbook, unlike last year; and he'll have good chemistry with the whole offense.

The 2009 season:

There have been rumors that Stafford will get the nod day 1, but I can't see that happening. The coaching staff and players all have immense trust that Daunte Culpepper will take good care of the team until Stafford is ready, so there's no need to rush things. Schwartz has said repeatedly, of each position but most specifically the QB position, that if a player is the best player at his position and that player is ready, mentally and emotionally; then that player will play. Matthew Stafford has to fulfill both requirements before he will start. He was to be provenly better then Daunte Culpepper and he has to be mentally and emotionally ready to be a starting NFL QB. Until both of those things happen, Matthew Stafford will sit, no matter what's going on with Daunte Culpepper on the field.

Summing it all up:

Matthew Stafford is what the QB position sums up to. He's our hope for the future. The face of the franchise. The cornerstone of a massive rebuilding process. He might suck his first year, he might not even play his first year; but it's not about what he does now it's about who he becomes down the road. It's about learning and developing into a franchise quarterback who can lead his team to success.

Until Stafford becomes that player, Daunte Culpepper will do a fine job filling in. Last season was no indication for how he'll play in 2009, seeing as he was pulled off the street, out of shape and unprepared, having to learn an entirely new system and playbook with no time to soak it in; and then told to lead a winless team to victory. Of course he failed. But now he's back, in shape and prepared; having learned the playbook and system thoroughly, having gelled with the players around him, and by week 1; he will have gone through the entire offseason program with the Lions. He still has what it takes to play pitch and catch with Calvin Johnson and hand it off to Kevin Smith. And that's really all he needs to do. Just minimize mistakes and get the ball in the hands of our playmakers.

There's one more guy I want to talk about as I wrap this whole thing up. You guess it, Drew Stanton. If you've read my blog enough you know how I feel about the way he's been treated here in Detroit, so I won't go into big detail about Stanton's past. But I would like to comment on my hope for the future of Stanton. Right now it looks like he will be able to wrap up the 3rd string spot; which is all he needed to do for now. Culpepper's contract ends after this season and Stafford's performance will dictate Culpepper's future in Detroit. Most likely the Lions will want to extend Culpepper's contract as a safety net incase something happens to Stafford, but eventually Culpepper will be too old to play in this league, and if Stafford has become what he is capable of becoming at that point, then hopefully the coaching staff will have enough trust in Stanton to give him the #2 spot at QB. I think he could fill that spot perfectly and those two QBs, Stafford and Stanton; could be a great team for years to come.

What up with the Lions? (6/29)

2009-06-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

I believe Martin Mayhew has done a very good job as far as decision making goes since he took over; and each move he's made I've either heartily supported or have been willing to give the benefit of the doubt. But just recently he made a move that I disagree with 100%; trading Gerald Alexander to the Jaguars for old declining Dennis Northcutt. Northcutt will be a part of the rebuilding at WR as he joins Bryant Johnson, Ronald Curry, and Derrick Williams; all brought in this offseason. I'll further explain my feelings about this trade in a later post.
Dominic Raiola has signed a 4-year contract extension. Many say that this move was made to protect Stafford; in that he won't have to change centers in the first few years of his career.
Lions owner William Clay Ford spoke with the media last week and made some pretty interesting comments, including taking all the blame for 0-16. Brian Van Ochten had a good post about Mr. Ford's comments, here.

Position Analysis: Half back

2009-06-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

The 2008 season:
The Lions went into the 2008 season with a lot of uncertainty at half back. All the former hopes had been placed on young Kevin Jones who had departed after the 2007 season and joined the Chicago Bears. That left the Lions shaky at half back. But young Kevin Smith, drafted in the third round; was confident coming into the season. He started off as the starter, but after four weeks was replaced by veteran Rudi Johnson, the former Bengal. Johnson played poorly and Smith could not be kept on the sidelines any longer; so he regained the starting position. The exciting thing about Smith's performance is that he got better and better each game. One could almost see the improvement in his play every time he touched the ball. That's the kind of thing you want to see from a rookie. In the end Smith ended just shy of an 1,000 yard season while he racked up 8 rushing touchdowns and solidified his spot as the starter in Detroit.
Offseason acquisitions:
In free agency the Lions went out and picked up former Seahawk half back Maurice Morris. Morris was brought in to provide depth and to complement Smith to provide a two-headed attack. Morris is getting older and was never an amazing back to start, but he has experience and he's used to backing up good runners, seeing as he backed up Shaun Alexander for several years. Morris won't be phenomenal, but he'll be consistent and solid.

Secondly the Lions drafted Aaron Brown out of TCU in the fifth round. Brown is a versatile back who has amazing speed and quickness. He could possibly play a role as a change of pace from Kevin Smith's running style if Morris doesn't do a sufficient job of that. Brown may also be moved to play some slot receiver, in attempts to take advantage of his versatility.

The 2009 season:
Kevin Smith is the cornerstone at half back for the Lions right now. If he can continue on his upward climb, then the skies the limit for this young player. He has potential, he has intangibles, he has already established himself as a leader in the locker room, and he works as hard as any one in the NFL. He could have a break-out season this year and get well over 1,000 and 10 TDs. Morris should be provide solid depth and an occasional change of pace at times. Again, he won't be phenomenal, but he should be consistent. And hopefully, Aaron Brown will see some carries and show the coaches what he's capable of. Perhaps he and Smith will be the tandem to watch out for some time down the road.

Summing it all up:
As of right now, there isn't much else the Lions can do at half back. They have the feature man in place, now he just needs to develop and learn as he gets more experienced and more mature. If Smith avoids injury then he could be a solid solution at HB for a long time in Detroit. That's exactly what most of us were saying about Kevin Jones a few years ago, and then Kevin Jones just couldn't stay healthy and wanted out of Detroit. If Smith does stay healthy, and doesn't get bigheaded on us; then he will be here for a while. Morris is only short term as far as #2 goes; but again, hopefully Brown can step up and be that #2 guy sometime down the road.

Position Analysis: Fullback

2009-06-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to apologize for the lack of posts lately. I've been extremely busy and simply haven't had the time to keep up.

Anyway, here's the fullback position:

The 2008 Season:

Last year the fullback position was uncertain, with former starter and converted DT Jon Bradley and rookie Jerome Felton. In the end Felton took the starting job and played decently, which is better then most late round draft picks have played for us. There isn't really much else one can say about the fullback position in 2008. There wasn't much action from it; but it certainly wasn't one of our most gaping holes.

Offseason acquisitions:

The only offseason acquisition at fullback was the signing of 10 year veteran Terrelle Smith; who has played the Saints, the Browns, and most recently the Cardinals. Smith is certainly not one of the leagues top fullbacks but he does bring experience and leadership to the position. He may also be an able mentor for young Jerome Felton.

The 2009 season:

In the end, all success at fullback is in the hands of Felton. He's the only guy who's gonna really come in and produce. And that's only if he's coached well and used well. He isn't the best blocker

but I think he has the skills to create mismatches from the backfield. I think Linehan needs to take a good look at him and figure out the best way to use him; whether that be as a receiver from the backfield, a rusher on third and short, or a blocker. In my opinion; he should be used primarily as a receiver who can create mismatches and provide a reliable target in the flats or at the goal line.

Summing it all up:

Felton went to Furman University, a small school in South Carolina; and was very successful playing halfback. My brother goes to the same school and I went to a few football gamesduring Felton's senior year; and believe me, this kid has talent. In one particular game I watched he had over 200 yards rushing and I believe three touchdowns. Every time he got the ball in his hands you knew something special was about to happen. Now, granted that was at Furman University; and the competition there is nothing like the NFL, but I believe that when I guy has talent like that, he can be molded and shaped into an NFL starter no matter how large the learning curve is. I was extremely excited when we drafted Felton; and my excitement hasn't dwindled since. He didn't do much in his rookie season, but then again, who did do much last year except for Calvin Johnson. Felton has potential, and if he's coached well and utilized well, he could be an excellent NFL fullback.