The Lions number one priority, along with preparing for this April's draft, should be working overtime to retain the services of DE/DT Cory Redding. Redding who enjoyed a break-out season last year after moving to DT and recorded eight QB sacks. Early indications are that Redding would like to remain in Detroit, but the negotiations will be tenuous. Redding stock has risen around the league and he could command a big payday on the open market.

Should Redding choose to become a free agent, the Lions could protect their interest in Redding by applying the transition or franchise tag to him, which would decrease the likelihood of him leaving for greener pastures. The rub is, what is Redding's future position with the organization. Defensive Ends are generally paid more than tackles and Redding played there for most of his career. The Lions should pay Redding now as a DE (even if he will play DT) so that this does not become an eventual issue.

Redding has exhibited exemplary character and it seems likely that his best days are ahead of him. It will be a ridiculous shame if the Lions are unable to realize this and don't find a way to make Redding happy.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

Former Lions TE Charlie Sanders will be inducted with the 2007 NFL Hall of Fame class, it was announced this weekend. Sanders played 10 seasons (1968-77) for the Lions and was a Pro Bowler in seven of those seasons. Sanders was the next in line of evolution at the Tight End position, after Mike Ditka and John Mackey, as it became more specialized and was just prior to superstars like Ozzie Newsome and Kellen Winslow, who have become prototypes for the position. Sanders finished with 336 receptions for 4, 817 yards (14.3 yards per catch!) and 31 touchdowns.

Sanders languished on several poor Lions teams and played in only one playoff game during his tenure in Detroit. The Lions poor performance coupled with a previous bias which undervalued the tight end position all contributed to it taking 30 years for Sanders to finally be enshrined. Sanders has remained involved with the Lions as a broadcaster and currently works in scouting and personnel evaluation. Now that he has been enshrined, the Lions should also retire his jersey number.

The sad truth is that Sanders is likely the last viable Lions Hall of Fame candidate for the forseeable future. In becoming the 17th Lions Hall of Famer, the Lions should really go all out to celebrate someone who has remained so loyal to the organization in spite of all of it's failings.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North, NFL Draft, NFL Rumors

A couple of recent reports in regards to potential personnel moves the Lions may make have generated a hue and cry, but will not likely amount to much. During Super Bowl week, there were some published rumors in regards to the Lions trading their number two overall 2007 first round draft pick for the Eagles QB Donovan McNabb. Obviously, if the Lions were going to receive the McNabb of seasons past in exchange for that draft pick, it might be worth pondering. The truth is, Donovan McNabb, capable leader that he is, is likely past his prime. That coupled with McNabb having to recover from two pretty severe injuries, each of which ended his last two seasons prematurely, leads me to believe that McNabb may never regain the ability he once possessed. Even if the Lions investigated such a possibility, how would they address the inordinate amount of salary cap money that they would have tied up in the QB position paying both McNabb and Jon Kitna to be starting QB's?

There was also some consternation expressed over recent comments made by Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz that they weren't considering drafting a QB in April's draft. Martz is megalomaniac. I do believe that he has enough faith in his offense that he believes that his system supercedes the talent and character of his starting QB. That being said, he is an excellent quarterback coach who would likely love nothing more than to generate more interest in his future services by developing another potential Pro Bowl QB. If anything, Martz's comments are a clear indication of the beginning of smokescreens being put into place, so that the Lions draft pick can remain a mystery. The Lions are not in any sort of position where they can exclude the best talent available in exchange for fulfilling immediate roster needs. The criticisms that have been tendered against Martz suggest that Martz's comments will effect the Lions ability to potentially trade down in the draft. I understand this premise, but it is awfully early in the process (the combines haven't happened yet) for any assumptions to be made about the April draft.

Here is my Lions 1st Round Draft Board (the players who would fit their roster needs)

1) OT Joe Thomas 2) WR Calvin Johnson 3) DE Jamaal Anderson 4) CB Darrelle Revis 5) LB Paul Pozluszny (if he were able to move to the middle)

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

Head Coach Rod Marinelli can sure make stirring comments, even if the book is still out about whether or not he is the right man for the Lions head coaching job, or not. In a recent "Monday Morning QB" column, Peter King (SI.com) was able to extract some impassioned comments from Marinelli. When asked who would win the Super Bowl, considering the strong ties that Marinelli has with both Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy and Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith, Marinelli proclaimed, "the winner will be the sport of football, the game of football wins."

Marinelli further states that "Every young man playing football, any coach coaching football in the United States at any level...they should all watch this game and see the class of these two coaches and class of these two teams. This is going to be one of the great days for football, and I love football so much I hope every kid who plays this sport watches the game, just to see how great a game it is when it's done right. Obviously, Marinelli's comments come from a football "true believer" who feels so strongly for the game that it could easily be misunderstood by those who don't understand Marinelli and where he is coming from.

Hopefully, this passion can translate into future success for Marinelli. His track record is impeccable and it is no surprise that he would express so much support for two figures who have been so instrumental in helping him construct his vision of what represents quality football. That being said, Marinelli has to begin to sell his own players on this love and belief for the game of football. In spite of the Lions lack of success in '06, it was apparent that Marinelli did not lose his team. Marinelli does have a tough road ahead, though. There will be numerous personnel changes made this offseason, along with another difficult, physical and arduous training camp. If these rudiments for success do not begin to yield positive fruits, Marinelli may eventually lose his troops. If there is anything that may test his profound faith in the game of football, the next six months may hold the elements in store to do so.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

The Lions have found their replacement for the departed Larry Beightol. Jim Colletto, a former Purdue Head Coach, has agreed to assume the role of Lions Offensive Line Coach. Colletto, who had recently filled the same position at UCLA, is a seasoned NFL vet who has previously worked for the Raiders and Ravens. Most importantly, Colletto has had a previous working relationship with eccentric Lions Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz, who had developed a personality rift with the deposed Beightol, which should aid in the team's ability to field a cohesive coaching staff.

Colletto has a lot of work ahead of him. With the interest that the Lions expressed in Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas at the Senior Bowl (they reportedly wined and dined him), Colletto has one of the more important tasks on the entire staff, developing the hoped for Orlando Pace-styled Left Offensive Tackle that the Lions offense, and Jon Kitna, so desperately need. The Lions can't afford to have another busted draft pick, especially in one that should provide a cornerstone for the franchise. Colletto's hiring could become one of the most important decisions made during Head Coach Rod Marinelli's brief tenure.

Colletto does have two dependable returning components in OT Jeff Backus and C Dominic Raiola. Unfortunately, for most of '06 the Lions featured a patchwork, under-performing unit that was dogged by injury and disappointment. In order for Martz's offense to be effective, and Jon Kitna to remain in one piece, the Lions offensive line must improve. Colletto does have some raw substance to work with. Rookies Frank Davis and Jonathan Scott exhibited a lot of promise and journeymen like Clint Stickdorn, Blaine Saipia, and Stephen Peterman all provided yeoman's work as late season fill-in's for free agent disappointments Rex Tucker and Ross Verba. If Colletto can yield returns on former Pro Bowler and free agent disappointment Damien Woody, the Lions may become factors in the NFC North faster than expected.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

The Lions have a lot of work to do this off season if they plan to upgrade their personnel. Luckily, the draft, free agency, and improvements that may be achieved among their current personnel, all provide a sense of hope that the Lions may be able to claw their way back to NFL respectability, even in spite of having been amidst one of the worst runs of poor performance in recent professional sports history. Hope springs eternal, as they say.

With that in mind, I believe that the Lions have a few areas that they can focus upon this off season that may drastically improve their prospects for future success. The number one priority, especially after allowing 63 quarterback sacks, is upgrading the offensive line. Other than the fact that OT Jeff Backus and C Dominic Raiola are likely to remain as starters, this is also one of the more wide open personnel groups, in which several dark horses could emerge. Personally, I would bid adieu to veterans like Rex Tucker, Ross Verba, and Damien Woody and see what talent could be cultivated from among Frank Davis, Jonathan Scott, and the various other young players who were forced into late season duty. If the Lions choose to draft another left offensive tackle in the first round, I would support the move wholeheartedly. Mike Martz's multi-receiver offense provides limited protection for it's QB's, so quality offensive line play is a premium.

The second most valuable component that needs to be addressed is that the Lions have a desperate need for a quality, difference-making, edge rushing defensive end. Kalimba Edwards has been a colossal failure, who is unlikely ever to become any sort of consistent threat. The Lions have decent backups on the roster in Bill Swancutt and Jared DeVries who are unlikely to ever provide more than that. James Hall, who was injured most of this year, has been the Lions most consistent pass rushing threat during recent seasons. The "Tampa" Cover-2 zone defense's success is predicated upon the front four disrupting opposing offenses with a consistent pass rush, which prevents the offense from developing the type of comfort zone and rhythm that can allow them to pick apart a zone coverage (to the tune of a nearly unfathomable 70% completion rate for opposing offenses in 2006!). To find a difference-making edge rusher is not easy. Quality defensive ends are usually costly in free agency or via trade. Their are rumors that the Lions would like to attempt to acquire Tampa DE Simien Rice. Rice's health and age are concerns, but he may be the best, most reasonable option for them, unless a college defensive end like Arkansas' Jamaal Anderson or Clemson's Gaines Adams distinguishes himself before the draft.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

The Lions were finally able to sign WR Mike Furrey to a new 3-year contract. Furrey, who had 98 receptions in 2006, appears to be taking an expanded role within the organization. Many believe that Furrey has already spoken with Rams free agent WR Kevin Curtis about reuniting in Detroit. Curtis would also be reunited with his former Rams Head Coach Mike Martz, should he decide to sign with the Lions. I believe strongly that Furrey exemplifies the type of character and work ethic that the Lions have desperately needed in recent years. The Lions clearly need a dependable second outside receiver and it remains to be seen whether the Lions will pursuit another slot receiver, an outside receiver like Curtis and move Furrey to the slot role, or look in-house and give "Big" Mike Williams one final shot to prove that he can live up to past expectations.

Now that Furrey is signed, the Lions need to work overtime in trying to re-sign DE/DT Cory Redding, who enjoyed a break out season in 2006 as a devastating inside pass rusher. The Lions may have to resort to placing the franchise tag upon Redding (ala Jeff Backus) and begin negotiating a new deal later. The Lions would be devastated by the loss of Redding, that is certain. Rod Marinelli has already expressed a similar sentiment, stating that Redding needs to realize how integral a component he has become to this franchise.

Besides re-signing Furrey and Redding, the Lions have a lot of work ahead of them this off season, if they expect the team to improve. Signing Furrey was one major step in the right direction, hopefully it will be followed by a few more.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

Pro Football Talk.com recently reported that a member of the Lions front office indicated that the Lions may be leaning towards selecting OT Joe Thomas with their 2007 draft pick. Thomas, a towering Left Offensive Tackle, has suffered a knee injury in his past, which could effect his future draft standing. The Lions are in Mobile, Alabama this week scouting their draft prospects in the Senior Bowl, which is considered the premier showcase for draft eligible college seniors.

Thomas would be a desirable candidate in my eyes, since Lions incumbent Left Offensive Tackle Jeff Backus is both capable and reliable, but is far from the franchise cornerstone that Thomas may eventually be. In regards to Backus, the Lions could release him or shift him to Right Offensive Tackle. With the recent news that Mike Martz will likely remain the Lions Offensive Coordinator, selecting Thomas would be a shrewd move because the Martz-designed offense relies heavily on an Orlando Pace-type Left Tackle. In Martz's offense, the running backs are often involved in pass patterns and rarely utilized in max-protection schemes, which increases the responsibilities that are expected from the offensive line.

Lions QB Jon Kitna was sacked an astounding 63 times during the 2006 season. Although Kitna may not be the most fleet of foot, 63 sacks is an abomination that if repeated would likely see Kitna eventually suffering from a major injury. Their are five key organizational cornerstones that are generally accepted as being associated with success in the NFL (QB, LT, CB, edge-rushing DE, and 1-2 RB's). By selecting Thomas, the Lions may be filling one of those key positions that is currently filled, but could use an upgrade in my opinion.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

Upon the announcement of Bill Parcells' retirement as Cowboys head coach, along with the recent rumors that Parcells had his agent submit his name for the recently vacant New York Giants GM position, one has to wonder, could Parcells bring his leadership and expertise to the Lions organization in a front office capacity?

Parcells' name has been mentioned in the past as a candidate for the Lions head coaching position. Parcells, who is believed would appreciate the relative hands-off approach of the Fords in football decisions, is a football lifer who may be ready for a new challenge in the sport. Parcells is under contract with the Cowboys for one more year, but could likely be had in a new role for the right price. Parcells has a winning pedigree that is without question and would bring 30 years of NFL experience to the table.

Their are two immediate obstacles that I can foresee. One obstacle is that Parcells is an advocate of the 3-4 defense, which is incongruous with the current Cover-2 zone scheme that the Lions utilize, and is the defensive scheme utilized by both of the 2007 Super Bowl participants. The other obstacle is whether Parcells and Lions executive Tom Lewand could work in partnership as ably as Lewand has with Team President Matt Millen. In regards to Millen, who has been a miserable failure in his personnel decision making, the Lions would have to drastically reduce his input in personnel decisions and reduce his role within the organization. If the Fords are at all serious about changing their franchise's fortunes, they should at least investigate this possibility.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

The Lions Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz and Wide Receivers Coach Kippy Brown were both mentioned as candidates for recently available head coaching positions. Martz, who was mentioned as potential candidate for the jobs in Oakland and Miami, and Brown, who removed his name from consideration for the Grambling State University job, will both likely remain in Detroit for the 2007 season. Martz's name could resurface as a candidate as jobs become available, but his age and widely-perceived eccentricities may hinder his chances of being considered for any available positions,

The fact that Martz is probably staying, will have a major impact on the Lions future personnel decisions. The Lions are close to re-signing WR Mike Furrey, who would have already been re-signed had he and the Lions not disagreed over whether he should be paid as a number two receiver or not. The Lions will likely pursue Rams free agent WR Kevin Curtis as an outside receiver and move Furrey to the slot, if they are to sign Curtis. Martz's presence may also have an influence on whether the Lions draft an offensive skill player or offensive linemen with their upcoming 2007 draft pick.

The Lions are looking to replace recently fired Offensive Line coach Larry Beightol, who reportedly had numerous personality conflicts with Mike Martz. One name that has surfaced as a potential replacement is UCLA Offensive Line Coach Jim Colletto. The Lions may investigate other potential candidates while scouting prospects at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama this week. One intriguing candidate could be Steelers Offensive Line coach Russ Grimm, who was recently passed over for the Steelers head coaching job. Grimm interviewed for the vacant Lions head coaching position last year, but was not awarded the job. One school of thought is that Team President Matt Millen would offer his former Redskins teammate a position. That being said, one has to wonder whether he and Martz would see eye-to-eye on offensive line responsibilities, since Martz's pass-heavy scheme is drastically different from the smashmouth, run-first variety that the Steelers have subscribed to.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

Lions WR Roy Williams was recently added to the 2007 Pro Bowl roster, as a replacement for veteran Rams WR Torry Holt. Williams is the only Lions participant in the Pro Bowl this year.

Williams led the NFC with 1,310 receiving yards. He had 82 catches, of which 24 were for more than 20 yards, which also led the NFC. Williams was a deserving candidate for the Pro Bowl, but his 7 TD catches and the general poor performance of the Lions in 2006 may have led to him being passed over as a Pro Bowl candidate.

Williams' performance was one of the few organizational bright spots for the Lions this year. Hopefully, with an added off season of preparation, Williams will continue to build upon his great natural gifts and benefit from his expanded understanding of the complex Mike Martz passing scheme. If the Lions are able to re-sign Mike Furrey, and add a consistent third wide receiver, the sky's the limit for Williams.

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Filed under: Dolphins, Lions, Raiders, NFC North

Lions Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz recently interviewed for the Miami Dolphins vacant head coaching position. Martz, it would appear, isn't likely a good fit for the position. Martz places eminent priority upon the passing attack and the Dolphins personnel is built around a strong running attack that features RB Ronnie Brown and, if he returns and doesn't fail a league-administered drug test, Ricky Williams. The Dolphins, at least with their current personnel, do not have the type of quarterbacks who would likely be capable of flourishing under Martz's guidance. The chances of Martz and Joey Harrington ever being reunited on the same team are as close to impossible as you can possibly get. Many believe that Martz would not want to keep QB Daunte Culpepper as the team's starting QB, either. Culpepper is not an accurate enough passer, has too checkered of an injury history, and is viewed to have too much difficulty in reading pass coverage schemes.

Martz would be a more natural fit with the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders don't currently have a QB on their roster that Martz would be enamored with, but Andrew Walter could improve immensely with Martz's help. If the Raiders were to select LSU QB JaMarcus Russell, Martz could be employed to aid Russell's emergence as a top-flight, franchise QB. If Martz were able to reach troubled WR's Randy Moss or Jerry Porter, utilize Ronald Curry's speed, and find another receiver to flourish in the slot, the Raiders may be able to find some of the explosiveness on offense that owner Al Davis covets so greatly. Martz is a devotee of the "Air Coryell"/Ernie Zampese tree of coaches and would likely find common ground with Davis and could reinvigorate Oakland's missing renegade image.

Martz is purported to desire to more personnel input than what he possessed in St. Louis. With that in mind, one has to wonder, does Martz's connection with the Lions and their offensive struggles this season actually reduce the "juice" he once had in league circles? Are teams going to be willing to allow him to become a head coach, in spite if his eccentric image, and hand him the keys to the car, by allowing him to exercise his influence over personnel decisions, too? Martz's offense is incredibly innovative, but it has become apparent that the appropriate personnel needs to be in place for it to operate at optimum levels. The Raiders, who are in rebuild mode, probably have the time to accomodate the implementation of Martz's offense as opposed to the Dolphins, who possess several veteran players and are in more of a win-now type situation.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

It's readily apparent as the Lions finish their disappointing 3-13 2006 season, that numerous personnel changes will likely occur during this off season. In order to alter the course of the franchise, it only makes sense that the Lions front office would choose to add some new faces around the inner core of the franchise that it plans to retain. The losing culture that has had a virus-like grip upon the Lions has to be fought with a near-religious zeal this off-season. In order for the Lions to hope to ever get better, they will have to leave no option unexplored and no method should prove too unorthodox in their quest for NFL respectability. When you consider the continued failings of the franchise, the fact that they haven't enacted widespread changes to their personnel selection process is as strong of an indictment of the Ford's ownership as any that can be tendered.

That being said, the roiling bubbles of league gossip that have indicated that the Lions may choose to add two future Hall of Famers to their roster next season is a little disconcerting. Mike Martz made some offhand statements recently that he believed that Rams RB and NFL network analyst Marshall Faulk may be a worthy roster addition, should he decide to return from semi-retirement in 2007. Faulk's career accomplishments are unquestioned. His integrity as an athlete is without peer. Considering that, Faulk could provide the Lions with strong veteran leadership and could serve as a mentor and fine example of what it takes to be a winner. Faulk would potentially serve as a viable candidate for the team's third down back and could potentially provide a change-of-pace back to add to the mix. Faulk does possess some of the most complete knowledge of Mike Martz's offensive scheme of anybody in the league. He could potentially became a running backs coach and possibly an offensive coordinator, somewhere down the line. On the other hand, if the Lions were to decide to sign a 34-year old running back, with an extensive injury history, to become their everyday down back, well, that would likely lead to disastrous results.

Their are also a growing number of reports that the Lions may be interested in trading for 33-year old Bucs DE Simeon Rice, if he is not released. Rice and Lions Head Coach Rod Marinelli are simpatico, Rice has made several glowing statements about his respect for the Lions coach. Rice only had two sacks this season while playing in eight games. He had to have a season-ending surgery on his shoulder which abbreviated his season. In the previous five seasons, Rice averaged 13.5 sacks and has a career total of 121. If Rice is healthy and happy, he could make an excellent addition. I am concerned that the Lions would be making a huge misstep in their judgement if they met all of Rice's likely salary demands.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

Mlive.com's "Highlight Reel" blog recently printed an excerpt of an interview given by Lions QB Jon Kitna on 950 KJR radio in Seattle on January 4th. Kitna's comments were both important and revealing in regards to the insidious and counter-productive attitudes that have lead to the germination of the Lions losing culture that permeates the entire organization.

The interviewer asked Kitna about what he thought about the recent news that Team President Matt Millen would return in 2007, in spite of the Lions 24-72 record during Millen's tenure. Kitna (to his credit) did not attempt to justify or spin the failed efforts of Millen. However, Kitna said that he believes that "It's a difficult situation. I hope they make the right moves to get it better." Kitna supported the current coaching staff with his remarks. He was not so kind to some of his cohorts, though. "There's a persistent attitude here that doesn't respect the authority of the coaches. I don't know if that's something Matt can rectify or not. I hope he does. The attitude needs to change in this organization." according to Kitna.

The losing culture that is contained within the Allen Park facility has surrounded this organization for several decades now. The tattered credibility of Matt Millen, the numerous coaching and schematic changes, and the near-continuous stream of losing seasons have all been clear signs of organizational instability. The only constant that has stood the test of time is that the Lions possess an attitude that is detrimental towards achieving any measure of success as a football franchise. Players like Jon Kitna, Mike Furrey, Jeff Backus, Ernie Sims, Cory Redding, and Dom Raiola could all potentially serve as the organizational standard-bearers necessary to change the team's fortunes in the future. In order to do so, the Lions will have to continue to add members to it's team who are unwilling to ingest the poison that has led to so much disappointment for fans of this organization.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

With the announcement of the firing of 2006 Defensive Coordinator Donnie Henderson, a new era has officially begun in Detroit. Henderson, who had played on a team coached by Rod Marinelli, never gelled with Marinelli's dogged faith in the Tampa-style Cover-2 zone defense. Joe Barry, in spite of being Marinelli's son-in-law, is likely one of the league's biggest proponents of the defensive scheme. Both Barry and Marinelli coached under Tony Dungy, Lovie Smith, and Monte Kiffin in Tampa. They are adherents to what has become one of the more effective defensive schemes in recent NFL history. That in mind, one has to wonder if the Lions will have the personnel necessary for the scheme to be effective in 2007 and if the rest of the league has not already caught up with and adapted to the scheme.

The Lions allowed opponents to complete nearly 70% of their passes this season. The Lions were almost completely unable to generate a consistent pass rush, especially from their edge pass rushers, even though DT Cory Redding had eight sacks. The Tampa-2 is a "bend, but don't break" type of defense that is predicated on a heavy pass rush from the defensive line and excellent zone coverage from the linebackers and the defensive backs. Most Cover-2 schemes demand big, physical corners who make it difficult for receivers to get off of the line of scrimmage. The Lions never established this type of defense against the pass. The Tampa-2 also emphasizes maintaining gap responsibilities against the run, to eliminate running lanes and allow the zone defense's fast, undersized linebackers to flow to the play unabated. The Lions linebackers, aside from Ernie Sims, never flourished within this scheme this season.

The Lions do possess some of the necessary personnel from which Barry can build a stronger Tampa-Style defense. First priority is re-signing DT Cory Redding who has proven to be a diference maker since he was moved to the middle. Getting All-Pro DT Shaun Rogers fully on board with the defense may be Barry's biggest challenge but could lead to the greatest rewards for the team. The Lions can only hope that with one more season that young players like Ernie Sims, Alex Lewis, and Stanley Wilson, Jr will continue to improve under Barry's guidance. The biggest priority for the organization is finding a consistent edge pass rusher via free agency, trade, draft or internally. Kalimba Edwards continues to be a major disappointment who may finally develop under the auspices of Barry's guidance.

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Filed under: Lions, Raiders, NFC North

When Mike Martz agreed to be the Lions Offensive Coordinator many observers biggest fear upon his hiring was the fact that Martz would hold the position for too brief of a period of time to alter the Lions offensive struggles, since he would likely garner interest as a head coach for other organizations after the 2006 season. The coaching carousel is moving in full speed currently, and Martz's name has yet to appear on any of the short lists of potential candidates for the current job openings.

Martz is well known as an eccentric and innovative play-caller who often defies accepted NFL coaching conventions. His resume as a Super Bowl winning coordinator is unquestioned, but his unorthodox use of time outs and replay challenges, his offense's tendency toward a high number of turnovers, and a persistent passing attack in spite of game situations, have all marked him as somewhat of a wild card. With the Rams, while suffering from serious health issues, he attempted to phone in a play call from home that one of the team's executives refused to take to the team's offensive coordinator during a game. The Rams had made it abundantly clear that they were no longer interested in his services by the end of last season and may be the biggest contributors to what appears to be a sullied reputation among league circles.

The Lions receiving personnel featured a revolving door cast of players coming and going all season. Apparently, this roster turnover was the result of the fickle nature of Martz and how he can love a player one minute and want to be rid of him the next. The Lions fired their Offensive Line Coach Larry Beightol, reportedly due to personality clashes between Beightol and Martz. Beightol did a pretty good job, given the personnel he had for to work with for most of the season.

In some ways, I really like Martz and what he represents to the Lions organization. The NFL has become a lot more conservative in recent seasons and Martz's unconventional nature spiced up what was a wholly unremarkable Lions season. That being said, Martz's offense struggled horribly this season at times. The inefficiency of the Lions offense in the "red zone" may be particularly indicative that the league has caught up with Martz's schemes.

With the firing of Art Shell, there may be just one organization throughout the league willing to give Martz a head coaching shot. Martz is a natural fit in Oakland. As much as this might hurt the continuity of the Lions offense, the idea of the combined personalities of Martz, Al Davis, Randy Moss and number one overall draft pick, JaMarcus Russell all in one locker room is too precious not to ponder.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

Lions G Ross Verba, while still with Cleveland, made a calculated gamble by holding out for one complete season in an attempt to get paid a salary on par with OT's Walter Jones and Orlando Pace. The Lions signed him this past off-season, which was also a roll of the dice, in hopes that Verba could upgrade the Lions offensive front. Apparently, Verba's luck has crapped out. He was arrested Tuesday night for speeding in Wisconsin. As a consequence of writing bad checks for a line of credit he was extended in a Las Vegas casino, he was also forced to repay the casino $50,000.

Verba never panned out for the Lions. He was injured for almost the entire season. The Lions offensive line was mostly pathetic and the only brief promise it exhibited was when young players like Frank Davis, Clint Stickdorn, and Jonathan Scott had replaced injured veterans like Ross Verba and Rex Tucker. During past seasons, the Lions seemed to be able to hang their hats on the fact that they were not hampered by the off-season issues that most other NFL teams were. The 2006 season not only represented disappointment on the field, but also off the field for the Lions organization.

It is unreasonable to expect NFL players to be model citizens off the field. That being said, Matt Millen's personnel failings are highlighted even more by this season's off-season troubles. Let's recap: 1 arrests for drunk driving (Kenoy Kennedy), 1 coach arrested for lewd conduct (Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen's "Naked Drive-Thru" escapade), 1 player arrested for resisting arrest (Kalimba Edwards), 2 players failing league administered drug tests (Shaun and Charles Rogers), 1 player arrested for harassment and stalking (G Damien Woody), and now Verba for writing bad checks. The Lions probably don't have anymore off the field issues than any other franchise, but considering their circumstances, the Lions should probably hold their players to a higher standard of conduct.

Entering the 2007 season, the Lions have to place a stronger emphasis on players who have the character necessary to turn around this franchise. The Lions continued personnel struggles can ill-afford to weather the continued embarrassment and missed playing time that comes as result of these types of poor judgment.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

Recent statements by embattled Lions WR Mike Williams make it abundantly clear that he should no longer remain within the organization's future plans. Williams, who has struggled to gain any playing time whatsoever and has exhibited none of the receiving skills that led the Lions to decide to select him tenth overall two seasons ago, is a prime example of the team's continued personnel struggles.

Williams, is a large-bodied receiver who moves well for his size, but he has continually allowed his weight to balloon and has had several work ethic and motivation-related issues since he was drafted. Williams recently told the Detroit Free Press' Nicholas J. Cotsonika that the Lions need to "loosen up" on him about his weight issues if he is going to return to the team. The funny thing about Williams comments are that he clearly does not understand that he remains under contract for 2007 and has little say whether he will return or not, unless he decides to retire. Many draft analysts saw these problems coming for Williams when he was available for the 2005 draft and insisted that he would eventually have to be utilized as a tight end due to his size and weight.

In Mike Martz's offense, Williams has struggled to gain playing time because he is not quick enough and he has dropped a high number of passes in relatively few opportunities. Williams has done himself no favors by suggesting that the Lions were being unreasonable in their expectations for him. Clearly, Williams has some growing up to do, if he is ever going to maintain a basic level of competence in the league, let alone flourish as once was expected.

Williams ill-advised statements highlight yet again the complete failure of the Lions scouting and personnel staff. The Lions believed that they had drafted a first-rate possession receiver who would eventually be a touchdown machine, in spite of Williams missing a complete season college football. Instead, the Lions find themselves with another draft bust to be dealt with and remain hamstrung by their lack of depth at the receiver position. Williams possible exodus signals yet another organizational setback, which when filed along with so many others, make the Lions personnel situation even more difficult as time passes and likely places them further from playoff contention, rather than closer.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

The Lions 2007 off-season has hit the ground running. Within 72 hours, the Lions garnered an implausible road victory against a playoff team, fired a position coach and coordinator, had another coach retire, retained a team president whose career record is 24-72 across six seasons, and replaced the aforementioned fired coordinator.

The Lions victory in Dallas has many Lions fans up in arms. Unexpected as the victory was, any meager success this organization can muster is valuable as it continues it's arduous and perilous march towards NFL respectability. As much as many detractors are disappointed about the team surrendering the first overall pick in the 2007 draft with a victory, I think it is safe to say that the prospects would be considerably more ominous if the current regime were allowed to make that pick, considering the complete lack of credibility that the Lions front office staff currently possesses. The fact that a 2-13 team can find a way to play hard and achieve a victory on the road, against a Super Bowl contender, is a small tribute to the direction of the team under Head Coach Rod Marinelli.

In moves that may call into question Marinelli's decision-making prowess, the Lions fired Offensive Line Coach Larry Beightol, who is highly regarded among NFL circles, and Defensive Coordinator Donnie Henderson, who is also well-regarded but has very different philosophies about defense than Marinelli. Meanwhile, long-time Special Teams Coach Chuck Priefer has decided to retire. The team promoted his long-time assistant Stan Kwan. Both Priefer and Kwan have weathered the Lions many coaching changes during recent seasons, so hopefully Kwan will be able to enact a smooth transition entering 2007.

In spite of potential accusations of nepotism, Marinelli hired former Tampa Bay linebackers coach Joe Barry to become the Lions new Defensive Coordinator. Barry, who is Marinelli's son-in-law, would have joined the Lions last season but the Buccaneers have a policy of making it difficult for their coaches to leave the organization while under contract. Barry's hiring is an indication that the organization is fully committed to implementing the Tampa Cover-2 Zone defense scheme, despite the difficulties the 2006 Lions have had in adapting to the new scheme.

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Filed under: Lions, NFC North

The Lions are 5-42 on the road during Matt Millen's tenure as Team President. Don't worry, you can rest assured that the Lions are going to finish 5-43 on the road after Sunday's game. The Lions will also be 23-73 during Millen's tenure, which is one loss off of the six year-worst overall record that was set by the "Creamsicle" jersey-era Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In easily one of the worst seasons ever experienced by Lions fans, it can be considered somewhat of a small blessing that this season will finally reach it's nexus.

The Cowboys on the other hand, are a playoff team that has a lot left to prove. At times this team has appeared like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. At the same time, this team has been almost nearly as bipolar as it's receiver whose initials rhyme with the ones for body odor. My biggest fear entering Sunday's contest, is just how many touchdowns are going to be enough for the Cowboys to exorcise their demons that have accumulated after several recent poor performances. This game could get real ugly, if Bill Parcells allows the Cowboys to pile the points on top of the over matched Lions roster.

That being said, with the Lions recent performances in mind, coupled with the distinct possibility that if they lose Sunday's game, the Lions will clinch the first overall draft pick in the 2007 draft, the Lions fatalist in me is resigned to the imperceptible possibility that the Lions may surprise everyone and steal a victory on the road against the loss-addled Cowboys. As much as Brady Quinn might breathe a heavy sigh of relief if this were to happen, I refuse to allow myself to conjure a scenario where the Lions will win this game.

Cowboys 31 Lions 20

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