I decided to start this general discussion thread for the season, rather than starting a new or searching for a relevant thread each time I want to vent. :frusty:

A very interesting article on MLive right now. Its a breakdown of the Lions from the pro scout of a team they've played recently. Looks like the guy feels the same way as all of the fans do.

So why the heck can't Millen or Ford see it?!?!?!

A good read if you're a Lions fan.
MLive.com: Everything Michigan (http://www.mlive.com/lions/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/116493360399650.xml&coll=1&thispage=1)

Yeah I guess. I'm glad I didn't invest in Directv this year. I've got 4 players going against Det. looking to score for me in fantasy.

The Lion's make me want to punch holes in the wall. They are the joke of all franchises of all sports. Only thing is I'm not laughing.

Fire Millen and take the Ford's with you!!!

I really like McCown's approach. Could the attitude of this team really be changing?

McCown refuses to rock the boat - 12/06/06 - The Detroit News Online (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/SPORTS0101/612060320/1126)

More Millen bashing and a challenge to the fans.

I love the "legally blind in his eye for talent" line. :pound:

Matt Millen is 23-70 as a GM. He's actually legally blind in his eye for talent. I mean, the people he hires can't even dress themselves. If the Lions were to blow everything up today and start over, Millen has them so far behind, it would take four years starting from right now to fix the team. So if Matt Millen is the kind of great, quality, super, first-class dude everyone says he is, why won't he do the honorable thing and let poor William Clay Ford off the hook and resign? Is he a devout coward?

And to the fans...

I swear, Lions fans, if Millen isn't gone by Week 16, there better not be more than 100 people in the stands when the Lions lose 87-0 to the Bears on Christmas Eve at Ford Field.

He's so right about the support, but the thing is, there's a chance we could actually win this game. Think about it.

1. its a meaningless game
2. the Bears will most likely have the playoff position decided and will be resting guys/not going all out
3. its tradition. the Lions do just enough to mess up their draft position
4. the Lions beat teams they're supposed to lose to and lose to teams they're supposed to beat

Look at the 49ers they've turned the corner. if your team is going to succeed it should show signs of progress after 8 games.
New coaches anyone?

I think I could go for Martz and Marinelli switching places. That would at least be an improvement.

The Lions are never going to get it right. We lose KJ for the year and what do the Lions go and do? They sign another WR. Some guy that has not even played this year. He has never even played in the NFL to my knowledge. With only a few games left and with the playbook so complicated this guy will never see the field this season so what was the point? We need to sign another Running Back.



FIRE MILLEN!!!!!!!:stirthepot:

Some interesting speculation on several veterans that may be cut in the offseason.

Potential Cuts
- Damian Woody
- Dre' Bly
- Fernando Bryant
- Ross Verba - Lions hold on option for next season

Free Agents
- Cory Redding (the Lions will try very hard to resign him early. He's a Mariucci guy)
- Cory Schlesinger - he's as good as gone after this season. Doesn't fit into the Martz offense
- Terrance Holt - made expendible by drafting Bullock
- Jon McGraw - could resign for cheap
- Mike Furrey - currently working on a contract extension

MLive.com: Everything Michigan (http://www.mlive.com/lions/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/116734020230790.xml&coll=1&thispage=1)

Rumoured possible incoming
- With the injury to Kevin Jones, Martz is considering bringing in Marshall Faulk

Your thoughts on all of this?

FIRE EVERYONE.


Just kidding.


I like Faulk. He's a great pass catcher and with a year to heal, he might be the closest we ever get to another MVP player like Barry.

Holt and McGraw suck. I was a Holt fan but he doesn't make enough plays.

Furrey must be retained.

Cut all the guys on the cut list. Cut Raiola too. The guy is a pylon.

We should also cut Kalimba Edwards. Take a bunch of cap hits now and be big spenders in 2008/9.

The Lions are on TV and playing well so far. Eddie with 2 long returns.
Furrey with a great catch.

"Take a bunch of cap hits now and be big spenders in 2008/9."
---


Are you saying "cut and run" like the democrats?
Sounds good to me.

The Lions are on TV and playing well so far. Eddie with 2 long returns.
Furrey with a great catch.

Yeah. We'll see how long it lasts. Good thing they have Hanson.

the lions are playing right now? lol didn't even remember

OMG they are actually on local TV here in the DC area...............All hell has truly broke out.................

I got them here in LA too.

Just wondering if they think that the first half was a moral victory and Millen came into the lockeroom and said "Good job guys, now don't screw up our #1 draft pick":pound:

I got them here in LA too.


Yep, this is only my 2nd lions game of the season (1st being the thanksgiving day game).

And of course, the Lions are trying to ruin the only thing they've got going for themselves.... The Number 1 pick.

:cheerleader:Go Cowboys!:cheerleader:

:pound:

Yep, this is only my 2nd lions game of the season (1st being the thanksgiving day game).

And of course, the Lions are trying to ruin the only thing they've got going for themselves.... The Number 1 pick.

:cheerleader:Go Cowboys!:cheerleader:

:pound:

I think there is something to be said for playing it out -- the season, I mean. Doesn't really matter what pick they get, they'll screw it up.

Typical Lions. They did it again. They won a completely meaningless game in a completely meaningless season to lose the first pick in the draft. Last year it cost them Reggie Bush, who will it cost them this season?

Congratulations Lions, on your 3rd win of the season. You must be so proud.

Typical Lions. They did it again. They won a completely meaningless game in a completely meaningless season to lose the first pick in the draft. Last year it cost them Reggie Bush, who will it cost them this season?

Congratulations Lions, on your 3rd win of the season. You must be so proud.


Say good bye to the #1 pick and any draft leverage to potentially trade down. They are the most pathethic franchise in sports. Win they win they lose. Oh and that win was so impressive the old man WCF is going to keep Millen on for another year. :cheerleader:
How about that??

Typical Lions. They did it again. They won a completely meaningless game in a completely meaningless season to lose the first pick in the draft. Last year it cost them Reggie Bush, who will it cost them this season?

Congratulations Lions, on your 3rd win of the season. You must be so proud.


Cannot be called a bittersweet victory as the team flies home happy. Hopefully the number two pick is a game breaker and tbey have their second and third round picks!

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY - Lions Season Recap

I'll do 3 seperate posts, starting with.... THE GOOD

Jon Kitna
He became only the 2nd Lions QB to throw for over 4000 yards in a season (Scott Mitchell was the other). He also became the 1st Lions QB in history to take every single snap for the season. A full season without a QB controversy, another Lions' first. While he's far from perfect, he did a good job with a really, really bad line. Not a long term solution, but given that Martz's offense is so complicated, he did well in his first season with the club (and the system) and proved to be the leader the offense was lacking.

2006 stats: 372 of 596 (62.4%) for 4208 yards 21 TDs and 22 INTs


Roy Williams
Teamed with Furrey to for the Lions' first tandem to go over 1000 receiving in a season since Morton and Crowell.
It took them 14 games, but it looks like the Lions finally decided to go to Williams in the red zone, as he had 4 TDs in the final 2 games.
Has the deep speed to stretch the D, the hands to make the highlight catch and the size to go up and get the ball. He really bossomed under Martz's pass happy offense.

2006 stats: 82 catches for 1310 yards and 7 TDs


Mike Furrey
Furrey became the first player in NFL history to gain over 1000 receiving yards after having 0 the previous year (he was the starting Safety for the Rams last season, leading the team with 4 INTs)
The guy is just a warrior. A true professional. Shows no fear going over the middle, runs crisp routes, has great hands, excellent speed and mental toughness. Would be an ideal slot receiver if BMW can step it up next season.

2006 stats: 98 catches for 1086 yards and 6 TDs


Cory Redding
Redding is a bit of a tweaner on the line. A bit slow on the end and a bit undersized in the middle. Like Furrey, he's another Marinelli type guy. Also like Furrey, he wasn't expected to be a started, but put up awesome #s when called upon. He had a great second half of the season, especially given that he had absolutely no help at DT. If Shaun Rogers can come back healthy and in shape, and take up the double teams in the middle, these 2 could form one of the best interior lines in the game.

2006 stats: 47 tackles (38 solo, 9 assists) and 8 sacks


Ernie Sims
The Lions' top pick was able to step right in and have an immediate impact, leading the team in tackles on the season. He was also able to stay healthy, something that was a concern with his history of concussions.

2006 stats: 125 tackles (82 solo, 43 assists) and .5 sacks


Really, that's about all of the "goods" that I can think of right now. Any comments?

Guys, I was bummed they won too. But then I thought about it and realized they will blow their draft pick irregardless.

Oh, I see Gazoo said that already. I agree. What's the diff?

I'm happy with the #2 pick. Let someone else reach for a concensus #1 overall. Maybe we will get lucky and the Raiders will screw up and we'll get the best player at #2 (and a slightly lower salary).

I like your list Jammer. Kitna is no long term answer, Williams is overrated (soft and still makes dumb mistakes on routes), but on a team this bad, with so many injuries, those guys are the obvious stars.

They could screw up a wet dream. On another note has anyone heard if Furrey signed an extension/new contract before yesterday I couldn't find anything? This guy is a warrior we need to resign him IMO. Time to get excited about the draft and how this team can screw up this year's pick.

They could screw up a wet dream. On another note has anyone heard if Furrey signed an extension/new contract before yesterday I couldn't find anything? This guy is a warrior we need to resign him IMO. Time to get excited about the draft and how this team can screw up this year's pick.

I haven't heard anything either. They were also trying to re-sign Redding before today as well. By signing them before today, they could split the signing bonus up over this season and next. After today it all counts against 2007's cap.

I like your list Jammer. Kitna is no long term answer, Williams is overrated (soft and still makes dumb mistakes on routes), but on a team this bad, with so many injuries, those guys are the obvious stars.

I'd add Hanson to that list as well. Mr consistent did everything asked of him this season.

Just think...that win probably saved Millen's job for another year. I'm sure he will spin it to WCF as though the Lions are making progress under him. The sad thing is Ford will buy it.

From Mike O' Hara in the detnews this morning:
"When linebacker Ernie Sims stopped Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's desperate scramble at the 1-yard line with nine seconds remaining, the players and coaches exploded in joy. They danced on the field and hugged on the sideline."

Yaaay, we're 3-13. We ended the season on a high note. Pathetic.

Good post Jamm.
The BAD:
The Dline the Linebackers and the Secondary.
The defensive coaching schemes and defensive play calling.
Our below average Oline. And resulting poor run production.
And on a personal issue, lack of offensive ingenuity.

On another note has anyone heard if Furrey signed an extension/new contract before yesterday I couldn't find anything?

To answer your question, the Lions were unable to re-sign either Furrey or Redding before the deadline.

They did however restructure a couple of contracts to include "unattainable" incentives that go back to the team for cap space.

For instance, two years ago, the Lions signed defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to a long-term deal that also included a huge bonus if he played 95 percent of the special teams in the following year. Rogers, of course, never did and the money went toward the cap that season.(full details at bottom of first page of link)
MLive.com: Everything Michigan (http://www.mlive.com/lions/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/116761380249270.xml&coll=1&thispage=1)

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY - Lions Season Recap

Part 2.... the BAD

Corey Bradford
This guy just sucks. He was signed to be our #2 and then sucked so bad that he was released after 1 game. Then, the Lions sucked so bad that they actually re-signed him again. Poor route runner, poor speed, poor hands.

2006 stats: 14 catches for 164 yards and 0 TDs


The Offensive Line
Backus is average to slightly above average but is also good for 1+ false start and 1+ holding penalty per game. Woody is fat, lazy and overrated. I actually really like Raiola, but he's a bit undersized at 6-1, 195, although the Lions played to his strengths this season (moving him around). DeMulling is garbage. Injuries decimated an already weak line this season. The young guys showed some promise, but this group is a top priority in the offseason.


Kalimba Edwards
What does a 5 year, $20 million ($8 million guaranteed) contract buy you? Not much. He has good wheels for a DE and is about as strong as my grandma. He uses his speed to get around the corner, and then is pushed about 10 yards behind the QB and completely out of the play with the RT's pinky finger. He has 1 move - backwards.

2006 stats: 37 tackles (25 solo, 12 assists) and 3 sacks


All linebackers not named Sims or Lenon
This is a young, "athletic" (translation: weak, poor tackling and undersized) group. Losing Holmes to FA last season was a big loss both on and off the field. Lenon, who would be a backup on any other team, performed well when forced into the starting lineup. Lehman missed most of the season. Boss hasn't been the same since his knee surgeries. This team needs a MLB bad.

2006 stats:
Lehman 5 tackles (4 solo, 1 assist), Bailey 67 tackles (51 solo, 16 assists) and 1 sack, Lewis 48 tackles (37 solo, 11 assists), Curry 18 tackles (14 solo, 4 assists)


The cornerbacks
Bly is overrated. He's selfish, he gambles too much, he's a poor tackler, he gets beat deep, he give too big a cushion, he's ugly. Bryant can't stay healthy. Fletcher sucks. Smith contributes nothing, Wilson contributes little.
2006 stats: 6 INTs as a unit combined


The safetiesKennedy is one dimensional. He can hit but he can't cover. Holt and McGraw aren't starters. Bullocks played well for a rookie.
2006 stats: 5 INTs as a unit combined


Stay tuned for THE UGLY...

They could screw up a wet dream.

Like, maybe drowning??? :eek:

As for the Lions, Millen must be kidnapped on draft day. I think Martinelli will be the new, great NFL coach. :party: