For the first time in ten years we will be watching the Lions in a postseason playoff game. If they play without the many mistakes they made earlier in the season at New Orleans they will have a chance to advance. If not, it could be an embarrassing blowout, as embarrassing as was last week's loss to GB using their second string quarterback. FORWARD DOWN THE FIELD...

Lions on a roll

Two games does not a season make but the Detroit Lions have played two impressive games showing great improvement on both offense and defense compared to the prior 10 seasons.

Offensive weapons include a talented quarterback in Stafford, wide receivers Johnson, Burleson (thanks Seattle) and rookie Young. Stafford is finding the single covered receiver and the open receiver in a zone defense.

On defense the linebackers are now as fast as our old safeties and the safeties are as fast as our old corner backs. The new corners are doing well. It all starts with a talented front four deep enough to change personnel depending on the situation (just like the back 7 does).

Could be a very fun year, a loud Ford Field, and a spot in the playoffs.

Prediction: 10-6

O and ___

Almost any NFL fan will be able to tell that 16 goes in the ___.

The Matt Millen era is complete.  He singlehandedly took a respected franchise and drove it into the ground while collecting his $5 million  yearly salary.  And William Clay Ford let him do it!   Hired someone with absolutely NO experience running any organization.  "We've been pretty much stuck on dead center for quite a few years,"  WCF said when he hired MM after a 9-7 season in which the team missed the playoffs on a late field goal in Chicago in the season finale.  " Matt offers us an opportunity to move ahead."    In that time the Lions won 31 and lost an incredible 97 games.  Dead center is 8-8 and the Lions have come close to that only in 2007 when they went 7-9 (after a 6-2 start).  They are averaging fewer than 4 wins per Millen season and they would need to double that to be "dead center."  My guess is five years before they get above 8-8 again.

When he arrived Millen took verbal shots at Lions fans saying they did not understand the game of football.   Dare I say it?  Let's take three of his draft picks (there are others).  Joey Harrington--seems like a great person, but not an NFL starting quarterback.  Charles Rogers--reports of his physical fragility held no sway and he was injured and drug-prone.  Mike Williams--sat out a season fighting NFL draft rules(he could have continued playing for USC) and never got himself in football shape.

Too bad the NFL does not have two leagues so that those who are at the bottom of the top league are relegated to the lower league and the best of the lower get promoted to the top league as they do in English soccer.  Let the Lions work their  way back to the top league if they can.  That might mean a smaller share of TV revenue, less national exposure, etc.  A real penalty for poor performance.

This year the Lions home games were blacked out for the last five games.  Maybe next year viewers can vote to have road games blacked out also.

'etroit Lions

That's right--no D, no defense, Sunday against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints who shredded the Lions for touchdowns on six consecutive possessions.  Not only was this game a terrible defensive performance, so is the entire season.  And remember, the defensive coordinator is Marinelli's son-in-law.  Lions fans were rather docile, saving their energy for the few good plays the Lions made.  Even Saints fans gave up cheering because it became too easy--no real competition.  We talked with some Saints fans and they empathize with us; they remember when their team was called the Aints.  Next Sunday the Lions can seal the deal by losing to the Packers in Green Bay.

The rest of the weekend was wonderful.  Saturday afternoon we visited Pewabic Pottery Museum and Store in Detroit.  Kathy and my second visit, Brenda's first.  Some items were the same, but for the most part the pottery was different.  Brenda thought it might be fun to see where it's made.  No tours of the "shop" but just a peek into the working areas just off the store.  Fortunately Kathy found a piece she liked this trip whereas last time she could not (or maybe there were just too many then).

Checked in at hotel and got ready for dinner and concert at Orchestra Hall--the holiday concert of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Pops Series.  Great holiday music with some pieces we had not heard before--certainly not what one thinks of as traditional Christmas music.  Afterward a drive down Woodward to see the lights and the Christmas tree at Campus Martius Park with skaters on the nearby ice rink on our way back to the hotel.

It was so cold and windy that we decided Sunday morning after breakfast at the hotel to move the car from the hotel to our regular spot a couple blocks north of the stadium to cut our exposure to the elements cutting our walk from 20 minutes to 5.  Normally we would leave the car, walk to Ford Field, then return to pick up the car after the game. Kathy and Brenda found it painful to have skin exposed.  We've had only a few games where the elements have been that severe--thankful Ford Field is enclosed!

Sunday Choices

I decided to go to an Oakland University men's basketball game with Ken and Jim instead of watching the Lions Sunday.  OU beat Rochester College quite handily and Blake Cushingberry from Romeo did quite well for the Golden Grizzlies.

A hush and some muttering came over the crowd when the announcer told us the Lions were tied with Indianapolis early in the fourth quarter.  When I got home Kathy told me the outcome, another loss keeping their streak alive at 14 losses without a win.  I watched most of the game that we had taped and the Lions looked OK.  Then their defense went to work and permitted two late scores.

I am looking forward to Sunday when the Lions play New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees, the quarterback who has thrown for over 4300 yards so far this season.  He'll have a chance to add significantly to that total--unless they are so far ahead they decide to run the ball.

Brenda Impressive at Ford Field

Brenda was chosen for a chance to win a Ford truck.

We walked into the stadium shortly after the gates opened and a man walked up to Brenda and asked her if she would be interested in trying to win the truck.  All she had to do  is throw a football through a target about 24 inches in diameter from a distance of 17 yards(we have seen this during halftimes of games).  (To convince me it is somewhat probable show a video of a Lions quarterback doing it.  Or some other quarterback even.)

"Sure, what do I have to lose."  She then answered Mark's qualifying questions, signed the release forms, etc.  One restriction is she could not have played collegiately or professionally, or coached football, baseball, softball within the last 5 years.  Other questions made it evident they want a lay person participating.

We watched the first quarter from our regular seats, then met Mark at the beginning of the second quarter.  He got us field passes and escorted us down to the field where we stood in the end zone to watch the second quarter.  Exciting except play was at the opposite end of the field from us including two Lions fourth-and-ones and no first down, a Lions interception and fumble recovery.

At the end of the half players from both teams walked by us up the tunnel looking  impressively fit, large, and serious.  They looked the same when they passed us going the other way in the tunnel after halftime.  But I digress.

During halftime the truck with the target was driven onto the field and Brenda was taken to her position.  Her name was announced and her picture shown on the big screen.  She was ready -- pumped up!  She took the ball, her arm went back, she strode forward, and let it fly.  The throw was in line with the target but did not travel far enough and wound up short.  (Lions fans understand that--they've seen it all year!)  We've seen attempts all season and hers was as good as any, better than most.  She commented that the ball was hard as a rock and heavier than she thought it would be.    

Quite a thrill for all of us.  A different view of the game.  We saw parts of the stadium we had not seen before and it's impressive.  And all the staff were very nice to us--warm, funny, but also professional.

Oh, yeah.  The Lions lost again preserving their perfect record.  They seemed to have a chance against the Vikings, but gave up a late score, got closer with a field goal, but could not stop Minnesota from running out the clock, giving up several first downs on third-and-long.  

Detroit Going For The Record--Again

We've seen some bad teams around here.

 

Currently the Detroit Lions are headed to the first 0-16 season in NFL history (1976 Buccaneers were 0-14).  They are currently 0-11 with 5 games remaining.   And they have not been competitive in those games.  IMHO their ineptitude on offense, defense, and special teams along with a favorable schedule make their chance of a winless season better than even  (change my  under-over for wins to ZERO).

Other Detroit teams were bad but not thoroughly inept.  Detroit Pistons had 16 wins and 66 losses in 1979-1980 season.  During the 1990s they were 20-62 in 1993-94.

Detroit Tigers flirted with the major league record but only established an American League record of 119 losses in 2003 missing the major league record by one loss.  (Their team yearly loss record was 109 in 1996, but their 1952 season was their second worst winning percentage 0.325 on 50 wins and 104 losses.) 

In 1985-86 the Red Wings won 17, lost 57, and tied 6, a franchise worst season.

Here are some other "worst" teams.

For consecutive losing seasons Detroit teams can hold their head high. 

The Detroit Lions will complete their 8th consecutive losing season this year and can extend that streak next year.  In six more years they can match the Buccaneers who had 14 straight losing seasons from 1983-1996.

Detroit Tigers had 12 consecutive losing seasons  (1994-2005).   Only the Brewers, Athletics, Phillies, and Pirates had longer streaks.

Pistons, who moved from Fort Wayne to Detroit in 1957,  had 14 consecutive losing seasons (1956-70),  Only Sacramento Kings had one longer.

Red Wings had 14 consecutive losing seasons (1973-87).  The Canucks had a longer one.

We will be there Thursday to see the 10-1 Titans (who we hoped would be 11-0 but lost to the Jets Sunday) deep fry the Lions for Thanksgiving.

New QBs Not The Answer

The Lions used two quarterbacks, Dante Culpepper, who was signed earlier in the week, and his backup Drew Henson.  Neither had the kind of day that would keep the Lions from losing their ninth of the season without a victory.  They started the 0-12 in 2001 but as I recall they looked much better and seemed to be somewhat competitive--not so this version.

The defense was shredded for five consecutive touchdown drives by the Jaguars.  Don't remember that happening before.  And the Jaguar defense could have kept the Lions to ten points except for a face mask penalty on the Lions first touchdown drive that gave them first-and-goal instead of fourth-and-goal.

Another non-sellout so television blacked out locally.  The crowd is getting quieter by the game.  And leaving earlier.  You would think if anyone would understand customer apathy the Fords would.

Worse yet, the Romeo Bulldogs lost to Lake Orion in the high school football playoffs Friday night.  Too cold and damp for us to attend, however I picked up a live internet broadcast of the game and could hear enough bits and pieces of the description--the quality reminded me of early radio and television fading in and out. 

On a higher note, both Michigan State and Michigan won on Saturday with MSU at 9-2 and heading to Happy Valley in two weeks for a showdown with Penn State with the winner sharing the Big Ten title (assuming PSU beats IU and OSU wins at Illinois and at home against Michigan).

GO GREEN!  GO WHITE!

Preserving Perfect Seasons

Brenda left Nashville late this morning and arrived here in time to see the second half of the Lions game with us--she should have juggled her schedule to take in the Titans game this afternoon against Green Bay.  

Both of her teams kept their streaks alive today.  The Lions go to 0-8 with their loss to the Bears (at least they had a lead for part of the game) while the Titans are 8-0 after beating the Packers in overtime.

She gets to see both of her teams Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field.

(If rumors are true, the Lions will sign Dante Culpepper--that should take care of the problems on offense! LOL.)  

Washington Plays (with) the Lions

It was the first game this season the Lions have scored in the first quarter.  They scored 10 points early and held an early lead, then the offense played the next two quarters like they have the first two quarters of previous games.  Of course the Redskins consistently put together drives and took a two touchdown lead in the fourth quarter.  

Although the Lions made it interesting late, there is little question they were thoroughly outplayed.  By seeing the game in person (it was blacked out locally for the first time since Ford Field opened) it was obvious which team was better.  One observation:  the Washington receivers have speed that only one Lion receiver has--that makes it difficult on the Lions defense and difficult on the Lions offense.  In addition Washington had an effective running game (Clinton Portis) whereas the Lions did not.  The game statistics will show which team dominated this game.

Weather was beautiful--very cool and cloudy in the morning and sunny and cool after the game.    

On a side note, I've been following former Lions coaches.  Jim Zorn has Washington 6-2, in Buffalo Dick Jauron has them 5-2 and reportedly is getting a 3-year extension.  And former Lions quarterbacks, though not players who will take you to the top, are still doing pretty well--Jeff Garcia at Tampa Bay is 5-3 and Gus Frerotte with the Vikings, though 3-4, has three more wins than the Lions.  So it's not just the first-to-be-blamed coaches and quarterbacks.

Houston, There's a Problem

You almost blew it against the Lions.  

I missed most of the first quarter of the Lions-Houston game.  Working outside.  Should have stayed outside.  Another loss makes the Lions 0-6 this season--they've lost 13 of their last 14.  And you thought Wall Street was in bad shape.

Who took the Lions defense in their fantasy draft?

The Lions made the game somewhat interesting, but they are far from being a competitive team.  I admit it--they fooled me with their 4-0 preseason.  They make opposing players who are not all-pro look like they are.  They make weak teams look like they are headed to the Super Bowl.  In some of their previous losing years they could at least "make a game of it" -- they cannot even do that  now.  

Firing Millen will help, if they find a quality replacement.  Trading Roy Williams for draft picks may pay off, but not for a while.  And remember, drafting talent has not been a strength of the Lions organization.  Replacing coach Marinelli will happen, but no one could have won with the current talent.

Looking forward to watching the opponents.  Jim Zorn and the Washington Redskins come to Ford Field next Sunday.

Lions

As I said a couple weeks ago,  things could get worse against the Bears at home.  And they did.

What do you do now, Ford Senior?  If your plan parallels yours for your motor car company, we can expect only downward movement for the Lions from here, if that is possible.

Change my under-over for Lions wins to two, though I do not know which two.

We Get Too Late Smart

Millen is gone but his legacy will be felt for many years to come.  His drafts are ridiculed by all, including the talking heads on the NFL shows and drafts are the geneses of a quality team.  His choices of head coaches would be laughable if  they weren't so tragic.  He might have thought, though there is little evidence that he did think, that weak head coaches would make him look stronger.  In fact, really high quality, confident, and smart executives surround themselves with and direct people who are smarter and more capable than they are.

Ford will not be forgotten nor forgiven for putting fans through nearly a decade of less than mediocre professional football.  Some would argue they are lucky it was not longer.  If not for Barry Sanders--remember, Green Bay had second pick and took Tony Mandrich before Lions third pick of Barry--the Lions could have done in the 90s what they did in the 00s.  And nearly did anyway.

Another revision for my under-over Lions wins this season:  three

Lions

Oh, boy.  Things are bad.  Down 21-3.  Dismal.

Worked on other projects during game.  Makes more sense.  If they perform like that in two weeks against the Bears, look out.

Another Lions ...You Know

And poor execution by John Kitna on a couple crucial plays. I've said it before and will probably have to say it again. He's just a step below what's needed to be an effective NFL quarterback.

The Lions sure know how to clear a stadium. After going ahead in their game against the Packers, they gave up a field goal and three follow-up touchdowns bringing back late in the fourth quarter the stench of the first half.

Highlights were few. Calvin Johnson's catch-and-run touchdown receptions were two.

Having the kids from Up North join us was exciting. All eight of us piled into the Expedition and drove down to the Renaissance Center where we parked. We had a great breakfast at Sweet Lorraine's on Jefferson, then walked up Brush Street to Ford Field. Logan sat with us for the first quarter, then Brenda took him over to Angie and Jesse seated kitty-corner from us. After the game we all met outside the stadium and walked through a pouring rain from Hurricane Ike, a warm rain so we did not use all the cheap plastic ponchos we took. We drove home through very heavy rains which finally let up some between Utica and Romeo. After a short rest stop at our house Cushmans and Helmers took off for home. We had a great time with them.

Next up are the 49ers which I thought would be a great chance for a win. Now I'm not so sure.

And The Rains Just Kept Coming

Over the last couple days we have had constant rain, very hard many times. Must have had between 4 and 8 inches total over that time. Widespread flooding is expected and from what we see in our pond--spring levels of water--we are not surprised.

It has let up this morning and we are hoping for Seattle-type rain for the day rather than the deluges we have been getting. At least we are under a dome this afternoon for the Lions game versus Green Bay. A Lions win will not surprise me, but I am picking GB. Don't tell Kathy.

The Millen Dynasty Continues

I might have to modify my under-over for Detroit Lions wins this season.  Originally I thought 8 wins.  But after their play yesterday against a weak Atlanta Falcons team I now think 5 or 6.

Missed tackles followed by more missed tackles and then a missed tackle...you get the picture.  And poor execution by John Kitna on a couple crucial plays.  Kelvin Pritchett, former Lions defensive lineman, says by this level players should know how to tackle.  And Ron Rice, former Lions defensive back, thinks they just do not have enough talent to compete.  Who am I to argue with those analyses?

We will have fun next Sunday when Green Bay comes in and Jesse, Angie, Logan, Lee, and Carrie come down to join us for the game.  That will be fun.  Go Lions.

Lions First Exhibition

Interesting game.  Some good spots--Kitna to Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams among others.  

And some bad.  Reports are they want to emphasize the running game.  They may be emphasizing it, but they are not successful with it.  Another personnel issue.  Running backs and blocking linemen are needed.  And if they cannot run the ball, the passing game will be adversely affected.  Another result of Millen's drafts.

But it's only preseason.

GO LIONS

Don't They Get It?

The Detroit Lions are offering half-season ticket packages for the first time I can remember. Five games in each of two packages. Lower, upper, and club levels. Must be they are not selling all their season tickets! Can't imagine why. They have a veteran quarterback, great draft choices, no one left from last year's losing season, and Matt Millen at the helm. Wink, wink.

The talking heads of sports radio around here have been encouraging fans to give up their seats if they are not satisfied--looks like that is happening. The Lions will spin the shrink in sales to the weak--OK, horrible--economic conditions in metro Detroit. IMHO that cannot be the whole reason since the 55,000 season ticket holders are, for the most part, financially able to afford them. Perhaps the outrageous jump in ticket prices (ours from $70 to $90) for such a weak product contributes as well.

Also heard on the radio yesterday that a season ticket holder emailed the Lions with a complaint about his club level seats. The email was sent up the line and a response sent back down with an inadvertent copy to the customer. In essence the corporate response was, "F*** him--we'll take care of it next year!" Believable? Yes.

And yet the fans here will still support them. Go figure.

NFL Regular Season is Over

Now that the Lions have lost yet again in Green Bay, we can put this season to rest. Better than last season? Perhaps. The home record was 5-3 and that was fun.

Although this is the first single-digit loss season in the Millen era, this season may be worse. If the Lions were in the middle of the pack and improving, I would say we have to look forward to next season. But that is not the case now.

This is a team that is on its way down, one which found the players at midseason holding a 6-2 record and reading THEIR OWN quotes about how they were headed to the playoffs and believing them. And they are headed there--as observers. They over-acheived the first half and played as we should have expected the remainder. I am not going to attack the players--they are what they are. Starters are weak, depth is shallow. They work hard, I'm told, but isn't that a given? They are outmanned at about every position.

Who put this team together? Matt Millen. Poor drafts. Three first picks are wash outs. Second and lower are not contributing. Unwilling to trade high picks for multiple lower picks--where will they get the players they need to fill all their holes? Frustrating to think this administration is so bull-headed to keep on doing the same things they have show are failing.

But we'll still order our tickets for next season.