That's right ladies and gents, its 2007 Season Talk.

The Lions' opponents for 2007 were announced today, with dates and times to be announced in April.

Drum roll please....

Home Games
Dallas Cowboys
NY Giants
Denver Broncos
KC Chiefs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Road Games
Oakland Raiders
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins
San Diego Chargers
Arizona Cardinals

(of course they will still play their home and homes against division rivals Green Bay, Minnesota and Da Bears)

Is it just me or does that look like a TOUGH schedule for a 3-13 team? The Lions already suck on the road, so I only expect 0-2 wins there. Oakland and Arizona are winnable, but at San Diego, Philly and Washington? Add that to Lambeau and at Chicago and that's starting to look darn rough.

But check out the freaking home games! Dallas, the G-men, Denver, KC and Tampa? Does anyone see a W there? KC would be the best bet, IMO.

Its still a long way away though, lets hope for a couple of miracles in the mean time.

Your thoughts?

Yeah that looks rough for a last place team.

I haven't forgotten your draft thread Jammer... just need to do a lil research.
Hey maybe we can start planning for next years draft too!

It does look very tough at first glance. But just about any schedule would look scary to a Lions fan. We ARE that bad.

But breaking it down, if IF IF IF the Lions play decent football (and if not, what's the difference what the schedule looks like anyhow) we will do alright.

I agree the Oakland and Arizona road games are winnable.

We can take 3 of 5 of the the home games with decent play. Even playing terribly we defeated the Cowboys (and in effect, ourselves) this year.

So that's 5 games .

Then we split with Minny, Green Bay. That's two more. I don't see us beating Chicago next year.

So a 7-9 record for the Lions if they just play semi-decent. It still sucks but it's a step in the right direction.

Fire Millen!!!!!!

The thing is that we just never know with the Lions.

I thought this season's schedule was very winnable, with the 49ers, Cards and Dolphins in 3 consecutive weeks, yet we managed to lose ALL THREE of those games. We had the easiest schedule in the league this season (winning percentage wise) and STILL only won 3 games.

I haven't forgotten your draft thread Jammer... just need to do a lil research.

No problem merc. Take your time, you've got about 3 and a half months.

Hey, the Lions did something right:


ESPN.com - NFL - Lions WR Furrey gets new deal after breakout year (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2740972)

Hey, the Lions did something right:


ESPN.com - NFL - Lions WR Furrey gets new deal after breakout year (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2740972)

That's great news. There was talk of him possibly testing the FA waters and with the uncertainty of Martz returning, I think its a great move to lock him up now. I haven't seen anything about how much he signed for yet. Anyone know?

He's also good friends with Kevin Curtis of the Rams, who is a free agent. Furrey has been trying to convince Curtis to sign with the Lions.

The first good move they have made this offseason. Hopefully there are a lot more.

That's great news. There was talk of him possibly testing the FA waters and with the uncertainty of Martz returning, I think its a great move to lock him up now. I haven't seen anything about how much he signed for yet. Anyone know?

He's also good friends with Kevin Curtis of the Rams, who is a free agent. Furrey has been trying to convince Curtis to sign with the Lions.

Kurtis is a good receiver. I'd like to see him on the Lions. He played very well when the guys ahead of him were out.

That's great news. There was talk of him possibly testing the FA waters and with the uncertainty of Martz returning, I think its a great move to lock him up now. I haven't seen anything about how much he signed for yet. Anyone know?

He's also good friends with Kevin Curtis of the Rams, who is a free agent. Furrey has been trying to convince Curtis to sign with the Lions.

If they were really good friends why on earth would he be trying to get him to sign with the Lions.lol

If they were really good friends why on earth would he be trying to get him to sign with the Lions.lol
:rofl: :rofl:

Yeah jammertime, I think I read somewhere that the Lions have the 14th most difficult schedule in the league next year. Do I hear another 3-13 season ahead? Speaking of head, I hope ole Roddy has more on his azz than he does on his HEAD and tells Millen that he's running the team now and NOT him. Then lets all say some prayers that Roddy has the brains to build the Lions into winners through the draft and FA.

If they were really good friends why on earth would he be trying to get him to sign with the Lions.lol

Misery loves company speilman!

I have no problem taking an Olineman at 2.

If Martz is still here (doesn't take the Dallas job), there's no way we take a QB.

If Martz stays in Detroit, he's made it pretty clear that he doesn't want the Lions to select a quarterback with the second overall pick in the April draft. Martz believes veteran Jon Kitna is the best person for the job.

They apparently aren't looking at WR Calvin Johnson either.

OT Joe Thomas is a distinct possibility. I just hope he doesn't turn into another Robert Gallery. Arizona, at pick #5 is also intersted in Thomas.

Perhaps if we show enough interest in him at #2 we can get them to trade us their #5 and 2nd round pick for our #2 pick. We'd still have some solid players to choose from at 5, DEs Jamaal Anderson or Gaines Adams for example. Or we could try to trade down even further depending on who's still available.

We would then have 2 high 2nd round picks that we could try and trade to get back into the 1st round (as we did in 2004 with Roy Williams and Kevin Jones).

OT Joe Thomas is a distinct possibility. I just hope he doesn't turn into another Robert Gallery. Arizona, at pick #5 is also intersted in Thomas.

Perhaps if we show enough interest in him at #2 we can get them to trade us their #5 and 2nd round pick for our #2 pick. We'd still have some solid players to choose from at 5, DEs Jamaal Anderson or Gaines Adams for example. Or we could try to trade down even further depending on who's still available.
----
Maybe now that D Green is out of Ari. that is posisble. He wouldn't work with Millen last year. And they still got their QB.

If Martz is still here (doesn't take the Dallas job), there's no way we take a QB.

I forgot to provide the link to the quote in my last post.

Here's the article.

MLive.com: Everything Michigan (http://www.mlive.com/lions/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1169683802104420.xml&coll=1)

It doesn't look like Marshall Faulk will be joining the Lions - or anyone else - next season.

MLive.com: Everything Michigan (http://www.mlive.com/lions/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_lions/archives/2007_02.html#232185)

San Diego just fired coach Marty Schottenheimer.

ESPN.com - NFL - About face: Chargers fire head coach Schottenheimer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2763552)

Another possible destination for Martz? With each of these coaching vacancies I cross my fingers that we can squeeze 1 more season out of Martz. I won't feel safe until the season starts.

Bly has been granted permission to seek a trade.

ESPN.com - NFL - Bye Bly? Lions give CB OK to seek trade partner (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2765633)

I'm not a big Dre Bly fan, but we're also thin on talent at CB so we'd better get someone who can step in and contribute right away in any deal.

Good for Dre. Run will you still have some years left in your career!

According to WDFN, ESPN is reporting that 10 teams are interested in Dre Bly.

James Hall may be traded to the Rams.

Marcus Pollard is now on the trade block.

And a South Florida newspaper is reporting that Joey Harrington will be cut by the Miami Dolphins.

Maybe Joey can go work with Andre Ware. They can sit around and talk about how this franchise helped ruin them. On another note does anyone think all this house cleaning will result into anything. I mean are there any players out there FA wise stupid enought to come to Detroit? The draft picks only hope is to holdout or pray we don't draft them. I'm a homer but like before last season I'm finding it really hard to get excited about anything this organization does. I used to get pumped up reading about who we might draft, now it seems I could care less. Lack of hope?

According to WDFN, ESPN is reporting that 10 teams are interested in Dre Bly.

James Hall may be traded to the Rams.

Marcus Pollard is now on the trade block.

And a South Florida newspaper is reporting that Joey Harrington will be cut by the Miami Dolphins.

I thought Joey got cut already when Saban bolted?:pound:

Pollard was never the same after Joel hung him out to dry.
Hall regressed last year. I know he was banged up but he stank.

Pollard was never the same after Joel hung him out to dry.
Hall regressed last year. I know he was banged up but he stank.

The TE is an afterthought in Martz's offense and Campbell is a Marenelli type of guy. The writing was on the wall.

Hall was playing pretty well before he got injured. He let the team with 5 sacks in 7 games and had 17 tackles and a forced fumble. He was even drawing some double teams on the outside before going down.

Apparently Hall and Millen had a big falling out this year. They haven't spoken since.

Also, Hall and Bell were involved in the greivance filed during training camp. Now both will be gone. Marenelli doesn't like cry babies.

I like that Marenelli isn't backing off his tough love stance. In response to some of the player's concerns about practicing in pads all year, he said that if he could get the consistent effort that he's looking for and a better result on games days, that they wouldn't always have to practice in pads. So it's up to the players to perform. If they do that, they'll be rewarded. Unlike Mooch who coddled the players without them earning it.

I like the direction Rod is taking this team. But I think it'll get worse before it gets better. Potentially getting rid of your best CB (Bly), best DE (Hall), 2 top 10 receivers (Rogers & Williams), your best O-lineman (Woody), your best TE (Pollard) and a host of other players isn't exactly a receipe for instant success.

Not to mention the fact that it eats up a TONNE of cap room in "dead money". That's why these (potential) moves are so impressive to me. Rod is willing to jettison these guys despite the high cost and no return.

Also, Hall and Bell were involved in the greivance filed during training camp. Now both will be gone. Marenelli doesn't like cry babies.
Dude I thought we were over this. Martz screwed up the practice and Bell complained-rightfully and the coaches were punished. You can't step on players rights. Isn't this part of being a smart player?
PS: If they're off the roster before the pay date it doesn't count toward the cap.

Also, Hall and Bell were involved in the greivance filed during training camp. Now both will be gone. Marenelli doesn't like cry babies.
Dude I thought we were over this. Martz screwed up the practice and Bell complained-rightfully and the coaches were punished. You can't step on players rights. Isn't this part of being a smart player?
PS: If they're off the roster before the pay date it doesn't count toward the cap.

The greivance was quoted as a reason for dumping Bell and Hall on MLive, that's why I brought it up.

The roster bonus doesn't count against the cap if you're released before it's due, but any remaining amount of your prorated signing bonus counts against the cap. I don't know everyone's salary and who is still owed signing bonus money, but I don't think it'll affect someone like Bell or maybe Hall, but it'll probably affect guys like Bly, Pollard and Woody if they're released.

Touchy, touchy.
Getting even a year later? Weak.

Dre Bly apparently traded to Denver for OT George Foster and RB Tatum Bell + what appears to be a 5th round pick.

I'm sure there will be more news on this soon.

Tatum Bell I like.

Not a bad trade at all. I like Bell a lot. He's only 25 and has great speed. I don't know anything about Foster, but he's only 26, has decent size at 6'5" and 338lbs and was a former 1st round, 20th overall pick in 2003.

I'll be interesting to see how this affects the Lions' draft day. Will they still go after OT Joe Thomas? I'd imagine that RB Adrian Peterson is now out of the picture.

I'd have like to see a higher draft pick, 3rd round would have been nice, but overall not a bad trade.

ESPN.com - NFL - Broncos acquire Pro Bowl cornerback Bly from Lions (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2784408)

I hate going offense again but Joe Thomas might be the last piece.

I hate going offense again but Joe Thomas might be the last piece.

I agree.

The Lions have traded James Hall to the St.Louis Rams for a 5th round pick.

ESPN.com - NFL - Signings: Veteran lineman Whittle agrees with Bills (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2785375)

He'll probably do one good season then fade.

Just thought this might be the spot for this...
Joey Harrington was released by the Dolphins today

Considering he stopped the then unbeaten Bears I thought he would be Fin immortal.

It looks like Mike Williams' bench warming days ("playing days" doesn't really fit in this case) are over with the Lions.

MLive.com blog: Lions Insider: Mike Williams' career in Detroit is all but over (http://blog.mlive.com/lionsinsider/2007/04/mike_williams_career_in_detroi.html)

Lions schedule with dates, times, and stations (dates and times were announced today)
Lions 2007 schedule
Sept. 9: At Oakland, 4:15, FOX
Sept. 16: Vs. Minnesota, 4:05, FOX
Sept. 23: At Philadelphia, 1, FOX
Sept. 30: Vs. Chicago, 1, FOX
Oct. 7: At Washington, 1, FOX
Oct. 14: Bye week
Oct. 21: Vs. Tampa Bay, 1, FOX
Oct. 28: At Chicago, 1, FOX
Nov. 4: Vs. Denver, 1, CBS
Nov. 11: At Arizona, 4:15, FOX
Nov. 18: Vs. New York Giants, 4:15, FOX
Nov. 22: Vs. Green Bay, 12:30, FOX
Dec. 2: At Minnesota, 1, FOX
Dec. 9: Vs. Dallas, 1, FOX
Dec. 16: At San Diego, 4:15, FOX
Dec. 23: Vs. Kansas City, CBS
Dec. 30: At Green Bay, 1, FOX

Preseason schedule
Aug. 9: Vs. Cincinnati, 7:30
Aug. 18: At Cleveland, 7:00
Aug. 25: At Indianapolis, 7:00
Aug. 30: Vs. Buffalo, 7:00

Thanks for posting the schedule details Bezeach.

Here are my early predictions....

Sept. 9: At Oakland
This is about as winnable a game as they come, but the Lions suck in winnable games. Still, I think the Raiders suck worse.
Prediction = Lions Victory
Overall Record = 1-0

Sept. 16: Vs. Minnesota
The Lions always struggle against division rivals... ok... the Lions always struggle against everyone. I'll give them a spit of the season series, with each team defending home field.
Prediction = Lions Victory
Overall Record = 2-0

Sept. 23: At Philadelphia
The Lions suck on the road and Philly is one of the toughest places to play.
Prediction = Lions Loss
Overall Record = 2-1

Sept. 30: Vs. Chicago
Grossman throws 6 INTs and has -45 yards passing. Bears D and Devin Hester combine to score 28 points and win 28-27.
Prediction = Lions Loss
Overall Record = 2-2

Oct. 7: At Washington
Winnable game on the road that the Lions let slip away.
Prediction = Lions Loss
Overall Record = 2-3

Oct. 14: Bye week

Oct. 21: Vs. Tampa Bay
The Lions end their 2 game losing streak and come out strong after the bye.
Prediction = Lions Victory
Overall Record = 3-3

Oct. 28: At Chicago
Da Bears blow Da Lions out of Da Water.
Prediction = Lions Loss
Overall Record = 3-4

Nov. 4: Vs. Denver
Denver is too talented, too experienced and too well coached. Bly is booed in his return and has 2 INTs.
Prediction = Lions Loss
Overall Record = 3-5

Nov. 11: At Arizona
This should be a shootout. I give the edge to the Lions simply because Arizona won last year.
Prediction = Lions Victory
Overall Record = 4-5

Nov. 18: Vs. New York Giants
Manning Jr connects with Burress for the winning TD and then rips off his jersey to reveal his Paytonesque physique.
Prediction = Lions Loss
Overall Record = 4-6

Nov. 22: Vs. Green Bay
The Lions always play GB tough at home. Favre plays like garbage at the Silverdome/Ford Field and it's Turkey Day.
Prediction = Lions Victory
Overall Record = 5-6

Dec. 2: At Minnesota
The Lions play like poop in Minny.
Prediction = Lions Loss
Overall Record = 5-7

Dec. 9: Vs. Dallas
The Cowboys will be looking for some revenge from last season.
Prediction = Lions Loss
Overall Record = 5-8

Dec. 16: At San Diego
LT will have 2 TDs and 130 yards rushing by the end of the coin toss.
Prediction = Lions Loss
Overall Record = 5-9

Dec. 23: Vs. Kansas City
KC is a team on the decline.
Prediction = Lions Victory
Overall Record = 6-9

Dec. 30: At Green Bay
Lambeau in late December? I take Lambeau. Although the Lions love to hurt their draft status by winning meaningless games...
Prediction = Lions Loss

Overall Record = 6-10

Jamm, PM me when you're ready to go postal because, well you know.
You're so incurable.

Jamm, PM me when you're ready to go postal because, well you know.
You're so incurable.

Hahaha, well I hope you have a lot of room in your PM box, because I'll probably be PMing you about 10 times this season.

Jammertime......Your list of victories include............
Green Bay at home. They were 8-8 last season.
Minnesota at home. They were 6-10 last season.
Kansas City at home. They were 9-7 last season.

These games look hopeless to me cause I believe those teams are still better than the Lions.

Also, you chose.................
Oakland away. They were 2-14 last season.
Arizona away. They were 5-11 last season.

These games look hopeless to me since the Oakland defense is very formidable, and they will rebound this season on offense. Arizona has the right mix of veterans and new players to make great strides this season.

Possibly, we can actually beat Tampa Bay cause we have them at home and they look to hit rock bottom this season.

I'm afraid by the end of week 2, when we are 0-2, the fans will realise that Marenilli is not the right head coach...................

Sept. 9: At Oakland - LOSS
Lions play a decent road game with a healthy roster, but they justhaven't proven they can win on the road and Oakland does have a decent home field advantage.

Sept. 16: Vs. Minnesota - WIN
Marinelli keeps the hope alive.

Sept. 23: At Philadelphia - LOSS
Morninwheg revenge!

Sept. 30: Vs. Chicago - LOSS
The Bears love to crush our souls at home.

Oct. 7: At Washington - WIN
Washington stinks

Oct. 14: Bye week - (WIN ;) )

Oct. 21: Vs. Tampa Bay - WIN
If this was in Tampa it would be a loss.

Oct. 28: At Chicago - LOSS
Hahahaha. Lovie OWNS Rod.

Nov. 4: Vs. Denver - LOSS
Shanahan wins the pound the rock game. Rocks over Scissors.

Nov. 11: At Arizona - LOSS
Arizona is a 50/50.

Nov. 18: Vs. New York Giants - WIN
I just have a feeling.

Nov. 22: Vs. Green Bay - LOSS
We always had a chance at the Silverdome.

Dec. 2: At Minnesota - LOSS
I hate the Vikes because we haven't been good against them in ages.

Dec. 9: Vs. Dallas - LOSS
Too much speed, too much talent for the Lions. We should be banged up by now.

Dec. 16: At San Diego - LOSS
Another team that is too talented for us.

Dec. 23: Vs. Kansas City - LOSS
Herm vs. Rod. Herm actually understands more than motivational blather.

Dec. 30: At Green Bay - LOSS
Packers deal the deathblow in Martz's final game as a Lions coach

Overall Record = 4-12

We're right back to where we were with Mooch.

Roscoe, You have us beating the Chicago Bears at home. Good luck with that choice:gun1:

Jammertime......Your list of victories include............
Green Bay at home. They were 8-8 last season.
Minnesota at home. They were 6-10 last season.
Kansas City at home. They were 9-7 last season.

These games look hopeless to me cause I believe those teams are still better than the Lions.

Also, you chose.................
Oakland away. They were 2-14 last season.
Arizona away. They were 5-11 last season.

These games look hopeless to me since the Oakland defense is very formidable, and they will rebound this season on offense. Arizona has the right mix of veterans and new players to make great strides this season.

Possibly, we can actually beat Tampa Bay cause we have them at home and they look to hit rock bottom this season.

I'm afraid by the end of week 2, when we are 0-2, the fans will realise that Marenilli is not the right head coach...................

When looking at the schedule, I only saw three hopeless the 2 Chicago games and the Chargers. The rest, IMO, can go either way.

Oakland and Arizona games are hopeless? 50/50 I'll give you, but hopeless?

The thing about the Lions is that you just don't know what you're going to get from week to week. They always seem to win 1 or 2 games that they shouldn't and lose 4 or 5 that they should.

We could very easily be 0-2 after week 2. I'd say our chance of going 0-16 are a lot better than going 8-8.

Roscoe, You have us beating the Chicago Bears at home. Good luck with that choice:gun1:
Mistake. Fixed now.

Lions improve by one game and Camp Marinelli gets overrun.

The first two games are key. First, you open up against the losingest team from last year. Next, you play your first game at home against a beatable Vikes team. Many people see a 2-0 start. Here's what I see.

The Lions open up against Oakland on the road. We're 6-42 on the road the last 6 seasons. We got beat there last preseason. Numbers don't look good here.

Next game against the Vikings at home. We've LOST 14 of the last 15 against the Vikings, including BOTH games last season. Not so good against them at our place recently.

These first two games will determine our success or failure this season.
I look for HISTORY to teach us a valuable lesson this season.........

A couple updates on former players:

Charley Ane, a Pro Bowl offensive lineman for the Lions in the 1950s, died Wednesday in Honolulu of pneumonia after a long illness. He was 76.
link: Area sports in brief: Ane, 76, helped Lions to two titles (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070512/SPORTS01/705120337)

A hearing in the Detroit Lions' case for recovering almost US$10.2 million of a rookie signing bonus paid to Charles Rogers was postponed Wednesday. The hearing scheduled for Thursday in Detroit was indefinitely delayed, the Lions said. Rogers, a first-round draft choice in 2003, had his career cut short by injuries and drug problems.
link: TSN : NFL - Canada's Sports Leader (http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story/?ID=207180&hubname)=

5 wins tops... they're usually good for an upset at home.

5 wins tops... they're usually good for an upset at home.
There's still that little hope left that maybe, just maybe...

Whew! There's no telling what can happen from this:

'Mr. Irrelevant' Robinson agrees to contract with Lions - NFL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AiLTTYtk8QAT7mxdzUYKrIlDubYF?slug=ap-lions-mrirrelevant&prov=ap&type=lgns)

He's got barely enough natual talent to get to the NFL, hopefully his smarts maintain him.

On Monday, the Lions made Redding the highest-paid defensive tackle in football. Redding, the team's franchise player in 2007, agreed to a seven-year, $49 million contract that included $16 million in guarantees, including $13 million in signing bonus and roster guarantees. Redding will receive a little more than $20 million over the first three years of his contract.
Redding's agreement beat a 4 p.m. Monday deadline for franchise players. Had he not reached an agreement, Redding would have been forced to only accept a one-year deal with no chance of an extension until next season. Under those circumstances, Redding might have held out the entire training camp.
link: ESPN - Lions make franchised Redding richest DT in NFL - NFL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2938519&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)

On Monday, the Lions made Redding the highest-paid defensive tackle in football. Redding, the team's franchise player in 2007, agreed to a seven-year, $49 million contract that included $16 million in guarantees, including $13 million in signing bonus and roster guarantees. Redding will receive a little more than $20 million over the first three years of his contract.
Redding's agreement beat a 4 p.m. Monday deadline for franchise players. Had he not reached an agreement, Redding would have been forced to only accept a one-year deal with no chance of an extension until next season. Under those circumstances, Redding might have held out the entire training camp.
link: ESPN - Lions make franchised Redding richest DT in NFL - NFL (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2938519&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)



I would have let this guy go. What did the 46 million contract to Shaun Rogers do for our win totals...............

Lions release Eddie Drummond (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070823/UPDATE/708230492)

Now he's gone. They are making the team over.
Just watch the guy take a few back against Lions for a TD.

Lions release Eddie Drummond (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070823/UPDATE/708230492)

Now he's gone. They are making the team over.
Just watch the guy take a few back against Lions for a TD.
This is no surprise at all. I believe and extremely intelligent poster mentioned this in his last Lions post just the other day.

To quote the great jammerdamus:
- Troy Walters has looked awesome the past 2 games. It'll be hard to keep him off the team. Bye Bye Eddie Drummond.

http://www.pistonsforum.com/lions-football/7249-lions-preseason-2007-a-4.html#post108942

I was a big E.D. fan but when he couldn't get a new contract, the next season his game stank. Thanks for the memories E. D.

On a team which recently featured Mel Gray, I would have also said good-bye to E. D. ................He didn't do it for me.

I don't know why they didn't give him a big contract after that 2 TD Panthers game?

The lifespan of a returner is usually short. Drummond seemed to be losing a step...not as much explosiveness. Good call, Jammer. Walters is a tiny little guy, though. He could get pulverized very easily. Keep Drummond on speed dial.

He could get pulverized very easily. Keep Drummond on speed dial.
You're right, he is small. But even if Walters was out of the picture, Drummond didn't factor into the equation at WR for Martz at all. He got almost no snaps at WR in either the offseason OTAs or in Training camp. He was strictly a return man in their eyes and Martz and Marinelli both like guys with versatility. Guys that can play multiple positions.

I also agree with you that the lifespan of a return man is extremely short. That's another reason why I think he was so expendable. Average return men (which is what Drummond has been the past 2 seasons, if not below average) are a dime a dozen.

He wasn't average 2 years ago.

He wasn't average 2 years ago.

I beg to differ.

2004 - 11 games
- Punt Returns - 316 yds, 13.2 avg, 2 TDs
- Kick Off Returns - 1092 yds, 26.6 avg, 2 TDs

2005 - 12 games
- Punt Returns - 157 yds, 6 avg, 0 TDs
- Kick Off Returns - 1077 yds, 22 avg, 0 TDs

2006 - 14 games
- Punt Returns - 296 yds, 10.6 avg, 0 TDs
- Kick Off Returns - 1349 yds, 21.8 avg, 0 TDs

For his career - 2002 - 2006 - 52 games (avg 10.5 games per season)
- Punt Returns - 1058 yds, 9.8 avg, 4 TDs
- Kick Off Returns - 5026 yds, 21.8 avg, 2 TDs

So all but 2 of his career TD's came in his 2004 Pro-Bowl season, he has had zero TDs since that season, and his punt and kick off return averages have been down since 2004.

Basically, it looks like the Lions rewarded a One Year Wonder yet again.

And just for fun, Drummond's career receiving #'s are 4 rec for 7 yards, an average of 1.8 yds per catch, and .1 yds per game, a long of 8 yds and an average of .5 YAC (yards after catch).

OK 3 years ago.
And he was never rewarded.
And now he's done.
We didn't need him as a receiver or reverse runner.

OK 3 years ago.
I agree with you that 3 years ago he was good. I was just talking about the last 2 seasons (which is what I said in my original post).

And he was never rewarded.
Yes he was. Based on one good season, and then he sucked. Just like Kalimba Edwards. Hopefully Corey Redding won't be following in those footsteps.

We didn't need him as a receiver or reverse runner.
I disagree. The team has been decimated by injuries at WR the past few seasons. Had Drummond been any good at the WR position, it would have helped tremendously IMO. Last year it was the Roy Williams and Mike Furrey show. Other than that it was fill in the #3 and 4 spots with a revolving door of low end free agents and mid season pickups. A couple of guys the past few seasons have been signed mid WEEK and were put in as the #3 receiver that Sunday.

If either Roy or Furrey had missed any time we'd have been FUBARd. Roy actually missed most of one game last season and we were left with ONE guy for the other team to have to worry about - Mike Furrey. We couldn't run the ball to save our lives, so the game plan for the day was to put a couple of guys on Furrey and the game is over.

I like our depth at WR this season. Even if guys go down, we have players that can step in and contribute. I won't miss Drummond one bit.

I don't remember E.D. getting much money after 2004. He did get hurt and without a good contract why hurry back.
With the mess our offense was those years E.D. at receiver wouldn't help much.
Don't try and blame it all on Eddie.<l:]

I don't think anybody blames him for the offense, but the fact he can't see the light of day on offense talks as to how bad he must be in route running and such.... This team has been begging for anybody that can catch the ball and if he had any abilty to help he would have been out there.

Every year you have a flash in the pan return man around the league and he was that year.

Could this guy put Lions over the top even if he has best year? - No. So, what's the point of keeping him? He's disposable.

I don't think anybody blames him for the offense, but the fact he can't see the light of day on offense talks as to how bad he must be in route running and such.... This team has been begging for anybody that can catch the ball and if he had any abilty to help he would have been out there.


You knew the wide receiving corps was bad when the Lions started lining up their backup QB in the slot.

Lions safety Bullocks out for season (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/UPDATE/708270428)


Detroit Lions safety Daniel Bullocks will be out for the season because of a knee injury suffered in Saturday night's exhibition game at Indianapolis.
Coach Rod Marinelli made the announcement after practice Monday afternoon. Tests revealed a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Bullocks' right knee, and surgery will be performed when the swelling goes down, Marinelli said.


Here we go.

The secondary was already terrible to begin with....

The secondary was already terrible to begin with....
Agreed. Terrible and extremely thin.

No excuses for a bad team.........Good teams play through this stuff all the time........Just ask the Patriots.....:gun1:

If Eddie had given us anything the last 2 years, maybe we could've drafted 12 and 5 respectively those years.

This is just the beginning. Happens every year to this team. They are so thin that any injury takes them a notch down. And there will be injuries, such is NFL. By the end of the season we'll hear the same ol' song about how we got all the injuries and that's why the team is 3-13.

That's why I keep saying convert WR's to corner...permenently.

Lions cut offensive tackle Tucker (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070828/UPDATE/708280421/1004)


Offensive tackle Rex Tucker, who started five games for the Detroit Lions last season, was released Tuesday in a series of moves that cut the roster to 75 players.
The final cut to the regular-season limit of 53 players is Saturday.
Tucker had injury problems in 2006 and missed 10 games. He played as a backup in one game.
Defensive back Ike Charlton was put on injured reserve Tuesday, ending his season.

With Kitna out of the lineup Saturday, the Lions back up QB's looked real bad out there. But then again the way Manning was picking apart the Lion secondary, even Joe Montana may have looked bad for the opposing team. Which means if Kitna goes down for good, this may be another long season despite the plethora of wide receivers.

Anybody in favor the Lions bringing Drew Henson coming in for a looksy or is he washed up at 27?? He was released by the Vikes today. The Lions O will have to keep up with the D in order to win at least 5-6 games this season.


Seattle Post-Intelligencer: NFL/Football (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/scorecard/nflnews.asp?articleID=175783)

With Kitna out of the lineup Saturday, the Lions back up QB's looked real bad out there. But then again the way Manning was picking apart the Lion secondary, even Joe Montana may have looked bad for the opposing team. Which means if Kitna goes down for good, this may be another long season despite the plethora of wide receivers.

Anybody in favor the Lions bringing Drew Henson coming in for a looksy or is he washed up at 27?? He was released by the Vikes today. The Lions O will have to keep up with the D in order to win at least 5-6 games this season.


Seattle Post-Intelligencer: NFL/Football (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/scorecard/nflnews.asp?articleID=175783)
Maybe coming back to the state where he had success will revive his career? He's still fairly young, and he missed chunk of the development time by playing baseball. He has talent, but several teams gave up on him already. If it was Pistons - I'd say go for it. With Lions - I dunno. Is he an upgrade over Sullivan or Orlowski? On the paper - for sure, but in the game - I don't know.

This just in.... the Lions still suck.

Kitna's bold prediction has Lions thinking playoffs - USATODAY.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/lions/2007-08-29-kitna-sw-cover_N.htm)


When Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna (http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=28) first made his proclamation in March on a local radio station, it didn't create much of a buzz. The Lions would win at least 10 games, he said. OK, whatever … the kid believes in his team. How nice. Then in June, Kitna went back on the radio, and they asked him if he stood by that prediction. Of course, he said. Why would it have changed?
"I guess things were a little slow in the sports world that day," Kitna says, "because that's when it started making the national rounds."
Talk-show hosts across the country snickered en masse. Ten wins? For a team that went 3-13 last year and hasn't won as many as 10 games since 1995? From a quarterback who threw more interceptions (22) than touchdowns (21) in 2006? A retread quarterback at that? Sure, Kitna is a born-again Christian, but was he born yesterday?
Don't laugh at him too hard, though. Kitna, who turns 35 on Sept. 21, has a shiny new weapon in 6-5 rookie wide receiver Calvin Johnson (http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=4153). He has a fortified offensive line. But mostly, he's more comfortable in his second year in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's system.
And let's not forget — he did throw for 4,208 yards last season, fourth most in the NFL.


Lots more in the article!

I'll be watching Cade and the Raiders.
Culpepper better beat him out.

I'll be watching Cade and the Raiders.
Culpepper better beat him out.
I think you mean Josh McCown not Cade McNown. (I used to get those 2 mixed up all the time until the Lions signed Josh).

Don't forget our boy Mike Williams! He's now the Raiders' #3 WR.

Right, Cade was from UCLA and sucked, right?
Somehow I drafted Joey Porter. Raiders are playing games with him by not playing him last I heard.

Some fun Lions stats early in the season:

- The Lions have 10 Red Zone trips so far this season, tied with Pittsburgh for tops in the League. Detroit have 5 TDs to show for it, the Steelers have 4.

- The Lions passing attack is #1 in the league and their overall offense is 5th.

- Jon Kitna's completion percentage of 71% ranks him 3rd in the league behind Tom Brady (79.7%) and Matt Schaub (72%)

- Since 2001 Shaun Rogers leads the league in blocked kicks with 10 (9 field goal, 1 extra point). No other player in the league has more than 5 blocks during that time

- Through 2 games, the Lions have 6 INTs by 6 different players. The Lions had 12 INTs all of last season by 5 different players. The 3 players tied for the team lead from last year, Dre Bly, Terrence Holt and Jamar Fletcher are all gone this season.

MLive.com: Everything Michigan (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/09/hold_it_no_penalties_for_lions.html)

What these stats show is how a finese team can achieve success. But put them against a power team [dominant linemen] and they fall apart.

I'm going to hate myself for saying or believing this...but I think the Lions will win today. But I wish Williams hadn't run has big mouth.

Kitna is an idiot. I don't understand why he always tries to throw the ball away when being sacked. Foolish and reckless.

Talking about Martz making QBs out of pure crap:
Kitna so far this season vs career:
CMP % - 71.0% vs. 59.8%
YPA - 8.89 vs. 6.64
RAT - 105.6 vs. 77.2
YPG - 306 vs 211

And how about this - Lions now gave up the most points of all NFL teams, and they're 3-1. Go figure.

most turnovers too, or in the top 2.
Top 3 in weakest running game ?

Mike Williams season stats update:

2 catches, 35 yards receiving, 0 TDs, 1 lost fumble.

From his Yahoo player page:

Sep 25 Williams received a tongue lashing from head coach Lane Kiffin this week following another sub-par performance on Sunday, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.Recommendation: So far this season, Williams has two catches for 35 yards. These are not good numbers for a former first-round draft pick. (Heck, these are not good numbers for anybody.) Kiffin is frustrated with Williams' tendency to drop passes (he dropped a potential touchdown on Sunday) and his fumbling problems. "The word 'pleased' isn't anywhere near Mike Williams right now," Kiffin said. "He's in position to make plays, but that doesn't do you any good if you don't make them." Not that Williams was a good fantasy option before, but he definitely is a player you should stay away from now.

Lions shoulda tossed this fella a few before signing him. He made a lot of money from us for a whole lotta nuthin.............:gun1:

How does a receiver get drafted in the high-first round when he can't catch? I mean, seriously, how does it happen?

Nicholas J. Cotsonika's blog: Martz comments on sacks, running game and more (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071004/BLOG21/71004044)
Highlights from Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s meeting with the media Thursday

With the 34 points the D gave up today, the Lions continue to lead the league in points allowed with 155.

prior to today's game, Kitna lead the league in passing yardage with 1227 yards and sacks with 19 :ohwell:

The Lions were first in the league in passing yards and 31st in rushing yards?? Defensively speaking they rank 29th overall..with only the Bill having a worse passing defense. Remember I am giving stats prior to the Redskin game:gun1:

With a so called potent offense, how come they laid an egg in today's game...?

Calvin Johnson???? 11 catches in 5 games (including 1 today for 3 yards). is Kidna throwing the ball to him? or his he not on the field enough?? He is not in the top 135 receivers this season so far, yet Kidna is number one in passing. I know we had this debate for 4 years in regarding another # 2 pick that was wasted in Auburn Hills, but hopefully the same doesn't occur at Ford Field??

There is a rookie by the name of Adrian Peterson who is 5th in the league in rushing at 383 yards and already has three 100 yard games. I know the Lions have a offensive line problem, but I am sure he would have made a bigger impact than Johnson or any RB the Lions currently have? In other words if we are leading the league in passing with only 11 passes thrown to Johnson, then why did we need him? :stirthepot:

With the 34 points the D gave up today, the Lions continue to lead the league in points allowed with 155.

prior to today's game, Kitna lead the league in passing yardage with 1227 yards and sacks with 19 :ohwell:

The Lions were first in the league in passing yards and 31st in rushing yards?? Defensively speaking they rank 29th overall..with only the Bill having a worse passing defense. Remember I am giving stats prior to the Redskin game:gun1:

With a so called potent offense, how come they laid an egg in today's game...?

Calvin Johnson???? 11 catches in 5 games (including 1 today for 3 yards). is Kidna throwing the ball to him? or his he not on the field enough?? He is not in the top 135 receivers this season so far, yet Kidna is number one in passing. I know we had this debate for 4 years in regarding another # 2 pick that was wasted in Auburn Hills, but hopefully the same doesn't occur at Ford Field??

There is a rookie by the name of Adrian Peterson who is 5th in the league in rushing at 383 yards and already has three 100 yard games. I know the Lions have a offensive line problem, but I am sure he would have made a bigger impact than Johnson or any RB the Lions currently have? In other words if we are leading the league in passing with only 11 passes thrown to Johnson, then why did we need him? :stirthepot:

It is my belief that we are currently suffering because of the draft. We've had many high picks since millen has got here, but we do not fill in the gaping holes on the team.

Calvin Johnson???? 11 catches in 5 games (including 1 today for 3 yards). is Kidna throwing the ball to him? or his he not on the field enough?? He is not in the top 135 receivers this season so far, yet Kidna is number one in passing. I know we had this debate for 4 years in regarding another # 2 pick that was wasted in Auburn Hills, but hopefully the same doesn't occur at Ford Field??
Dre, Calvin has barely been on the field. He injured his back a few games ago making a circus catch and was inactive for last week's game so that has limited him some. Also, Martz's offense is extremely complicated so they're bringing him along slowly. Marinelli has said that they aren't just going to hand him a starting job, that he'll have to earn it.

He has caught everything that has been thrown to him. He runs hard, clean routes. He is tall, fast, has great hands, a great attitude and is motivated.This isn't a case of Mike Williams or Charles Rogers.

Dre, Calvin has barely been on the field. He injured his back a few games ago making a circus catch and was inactive for last week's game so that has limited him some. Also, Martz's offense is extremely complicated so they're bringing him along slowly. Marinelli has said that they aren't just going to hand him a starting job, that he'll have to earn it.

He has caught everything that has been thrown to him. He runs hard, clean routes. He is tall, fast, has great hands, a great attitude and is motivated.This isn't a case of Mike Williams or Charles Rogers.

Thanks for the update jammer..I am too far from Ford field to see what's really going on but something still ain't right in Millenland

Thanks for the update jammer..I am too far from Ford field to see what's really going on but something still ain't right in Millenland
Yeah, Millen is still running the team. That's what ain't right.

Yeah, Millen is still running the team. That's what ain't right.
Agreed. This team just doesn't have enough talent to compete. Period. That falls squarely on the shoulders of the GM. How can a team have 6 straight top 10 picks (3 of them in the top 3), and only have 3 decent players to show for it? FOUR WRs the last FIVE #1 picks? Millen is the freaking laughing stock of the league. But hey, Ford likes him, so that should be good enough for us.

Well, it isn't.

The secondary is garbage, we only have 1 quality LB (Ernie Sims), and our O-line is too slow, too small and too weak.

These aren't new issues, we've had them for YEARS. But instead of addressing them in the drafts, Millen continues to draft at the "skill" positions. Well the skill positions are useless if they don't have time to do their thing.

Agreed. This team just doesn't have enough talent to compete. Period. That falls squarely on the shoulders of the GM. How can a team have 6 straight top 10 picks (3 of them in the top 3), and only have 3 decent players to show for it? FOUR WRs the last FIVE #1 picks? Millen is the freaking laughing stock of the league. But hey, Ford likes him, so that should be good enough for us.

Well, it isn't.

The secondary is garbage, we only have 1 quality LB (Ernie Sims), and our O-line is too slow, too small and too weak.

These aren't new issues, we've had them for YEARS. But instead of addressing them in the drafts, Millen continues to draft at the "skill" positions. Well the skill positions are useless if they don't have time to do their thing.
This past draft was the perfect opportunity to trade that number 2 pick for two draft picks or a quality veteran....

Lions' Tatum Bell seeks trade (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071012/UPDATE/710120448)

Tatum Bell has asked the Detroit Lions to trade him because of his diminished role at tailback, but a deal is unlikely, making Bell resigned to spending the rest of the season in Detroit.

this is a good thing - welcome back kevin jones

Perhaps Bell would see some PT if he was able to:

a) hold on to the football
b) break a tackle
c) block
d) catch the ball
e) make someone miss
f) outrun a linebacker once in awhile

I know that our O-line blows chunks, but common man. He hasn't done anything well. He's supposed to be a "speed back", but I haven't seen him outrun anyone yet. On edge runs he gets caught by DEs or LBs, on runs up the middle he gets taken down by the first man each time. If you can't break tackles then you had better out run them. So far Bell hasn't done either.

Quite an interesting read.

ESPN Page 2 - Hill: Believing in God's quarterback (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/071107&sportCat=nfl)

"I was an alcoholic," Kitna said. "I was cheating my way through college. I was a womanizer. The final straw was my girlfriend at the time caught me in bed with another girl. I was just like, what am I doing with my life? This was the best thing that ever happened to me, something I didn't deserve. She's far too beautiful. She loves me. What are you doing?"


Now, everyone is running to the Lions' altar. Detroit is known as "Hockeytown," but the Lions are truly the soul of the city. If the Lions make the playoffs -- which would be their first postseason appearance since 1999 -- or heaven forbid they smell a Super Bowl, it would be one of the biggest sports stories in Michigan history and easily dwarf the championships won by the Red Wings and Pistons. If the Lions won a Super Bowl, it might even be the biggest story in the state's history, period, ranking right up there with the 1967 riots. The Lions have never won or appeared in a Super Bowl and they've only won one playoff game since William Clay Ford Sr. bought the team in 1964 for $4.5 million.

If he wins the Superbowl, Detroit will be born again.

WTF, Roy is already talking about his contract?

MLive.com: Everything Michigan (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/11/roy_williams_wants_to_return_t.html)

Perhaps he should worry more about working on his hot route reads and less about his contract, which doesn't expire until 2009.

WTF, Roy is already talking about his contract?

MLive.com: Everything Michigan (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/11/roy_williams_wants_to_return_t.html)

Perhaps he should worry more about working on his hot route reads and less about his contract, which doesn't expire until 2009.


I'd like to see him get a raise..........as long as the PIZZA DELIVERY GUY gets 10%.:gun1:

FanNation | The SI Staff's Blog | SI Players Poll (http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/77835)

These are the results from the NFL players poll on which positions are most important.

It is funny to see that WR is not even close to the top, yet we have been obsessively going after them with draft picks for the past 5 years.

"
Not counting quarterback, what is the most important position in football?


Center.......15%
Running back.......15%
Cornerback.......14%
Offensive tackle.......13%
Linebacker.......13%
Kicker.......8%
[ Based on a survey of 278 NFL players ]
FAST FACTS Wide receiver drew just 0.8% of the vote, the same as punter.... Bears center Olin Kreutz has been named to six consecutive Pro Bowls....... Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson, who left Sunday's game with a knee injury, leads the NFL with 1,081 rushing yards.... Kicker drew 7.9% of the vote.... Nearly 70% of QBs picked an offensive-line position.
This is an expanded poll from the November 19, 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated magazine."

Wide receiver drew just 0.8% of the vote, the same as punter....

:pound::pound::pound:

Great job Millen!! You could have drafted 4 punters with top 10 picks in the last 5 years and been just as well off.

It is funny to see that WR is not even close to the top, yet we have been obsessively going after them with draft picks for the past 5 years.
Common TaShawn, you're not being fair at all. Millen didn't draft WRs the past 5 years. It was only 4. He mixed Ernie Sims in there. Drafting WRs 5 years in a row would just be stupid. :nerd2:

:pound::pound::pound:

Great job Millen!! You could have drafted 4 punters with top 10 picks in the last 5 years and been just as well off.

Going with a 4 punter spread would be crazy. The defense would have no idea which one would receive the snap on any given play. We could potentially get ALL of our punts off without being blocked.