It wasn't the best of times and things could have been worse. ( See what I did there. Take the classics as inspiration and then completely butcher them.) Not such a good year for Detroit Sports or this blog as it appears after lacking motivation through August I completely fell down on the job for the rest of the year. So here is one last post before we move onto 2011 and the grand egress of the still unwritten future of Detroit sports.
As it does every year, most of my psychic energy was consumed by the Detroit Lions which, at its worst, can be like a swift kick to the balls. You can always tell how things are going to be for the Lions from the first half of their first game. Two years ago there was the debacle in Atlanta where the Falcons pounced on them for three first quarter touchdowns and we never looked back all the way to a historic 0-16 season. This year it was the injury to our hot shot young quarterback and HOPE (all caps) at the end of the first half in Chicago. At that moment, you knew it would be another lost year and whatever curse it is the Lions operate under would continue. Of course now, with the benefit of hindsight, and the Lions season mercifully coming to its conclusion Sunday we can feel good about a three game win streak and the ending of some of the most wretched losing streaks in the history of pro sports. The arrow is pointing up with these guys just in time for labor armageddon in the NFL and the real possibility of an abbreviated or canceled next season.
At the other end of the franchise continuum, is the Red Wings. The perennial Stanley Cup contenders are reloaded for another playoff run. Again, my only beef with the Red Wings is the NHL and all the games they play on the west coast which play too late for this soon to be middle aged man. My love for hockey always kicks in with the colder weather and the promise of another summer solstice with the Stanly Cup safely back at home in Detroit.
The big news is the emergence of the MSU Spartans as the dominating Big Ten team from the state of Michigan. Although we were probably one of the least impressive 11-1 teams in college football, maybe we can come up huge against Alabama in the New Year's Day bowl game and turn Nick Saban into the neurotic mess he becomes when he loses. The hoops team looks a bit sick but we always seem to pull it together come tournament time, so look forward to that.
That just leaves the Tigers and the sad sack Pistons. That's the one thing I've written on this year, the wretched state of the Pistons which has caused me to lose all interest in pro hoops. Will it be the Celtics or the Lakers, or maybe Lebron and his posse in Miami? Yawn.
Anyway, pretty weak but that will have to do. It would be huge and provide some serious mojo for the future if the following happened this weekend. The Spartans win their bowl game and the Lions win their fourth straight.
As Mickey Redmon might say, 'Katie unbar the door'. Full speed ahead into 2011.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
August Excitement: Two Athletes Sign Contracts!
Welcome to Detroit Ndamukong Suh and Mike Modano.
One guy starts his pro career in Detroit and the other brings it to an end (hopefully with a Stanley Cup).
One guy starts his pro career in Detroit and the other brings it to an end (hopefully with a Stanley Cup).
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Long-Term Depression: The Pistons
I've been asking myself lately why does NBA basketball suck so much (c'mon the Lakers and the Celtics in the Finals again?) and how did the Pistons go from a perennial top team to hopeless losers so quickly.
I am a fair weather fan and now that the Pistons are clearly in the bottom third of pathetic NBA teams, I immediately drop them and the whole sport in general. My theory is that a team on the rise generates more interest than a team on the decline (Lions) or even a team that has been on top so long people begin to take it for granted (Red Wings.)
In the past two years, Joe Dumars has blown his reputation as one of the smarter and more savvy NBA GMs (which is not saying much). This Pistons team has a lot in common with the teams his back court mate Isaiah Thomas built with the New York Knicks. Stupid long term contracts with one-dimensional over the hill players that are like an albatross around the future of the franchise.
Dumars does (or at one time did) know how to swing trades and sign free agent cast offs who had something to prove. In this specific way, he was a savvy judge of talent. Why this blinded him to the aptitude and upside of people on his own roster and when their inevitable decline would come and any player in the NBA entry draft continues to baffle me (but not a lot, as I am pretty apathetic at this point.)
I can forgive the Darko pick even though by drafting him he passed on at least three franchise players for the long term. But the dual move that still baffles is trading Chauncey for pretty much nothing (Iverson was a long shot to play well) while at the same time locking up Richard Hamilton to a long term deal (with still three more seasons to go at $12.5 million) I know he did this to clear cap space but he then took that money and signed another shooting guard ($25M to $30M tied up at the #2 position) and a big albiet soft guy (though Villanueva clearly has upside.)
But as far as where the roads converged, why did he not do it the other way around? Trade Hamilton and surround Chauncey with young talent. I guess in his mind he thought Rodney Stuckey was a point guard.
Now the Pistons get the 7th pick so we'll get somebody good but not franchise like. And they'll need to trade all the over the hill dudes before they even have a chance to begin to rise again.
As far as the Pistons go, wake me up in a few years.
I am a fair weather fan and now that the Pistons are clearly in the bottom third of pathetic NBA teams, I immediately drop them and the whole sport in general. My theory is that a team on the rise generates more interest than a team on the decline (Lions) or even a team that has been on top so long people begin to take it for granted (Red Wings.)
In the past two years, Joe Dumars has blown his reputation as one of the smarter and more savvy NBA GMs (which is not saying much). This Pistons team has a lot in common with the teams his back court mate Isaiah Thomas built with the New York Knicks. Stupid long term contracts with one-dimensional over the hill players that are like an albatross around the future of the franchise.
Dumars does (or at one time did) know how to swing trades and sign free agent cast offs who had something to prove. In this specific way, he was a savvy judge of talent. Why this blinded him to the aptitude and upside of people on his own roster and when their inevitable decline would come and any player in the NBA entry draft continues to baffle me (but not a lot, as I am pretty apathetic at this point.)
I can forgive the Darko pick even though by drafting him he passed on at least three franchise players for the long term. But the dual move that still baffles is trading Chauncey for pretty much nothing (Iverson was a long shot to play well) while at the same time locking up Richard Hamilton to a long term deal (with still three more seasons to go at $12.5 million) I know he did this to clear cap space but he then took that money and signed another shooting guard ($25M to $30M tied up at the #2 position) and a big albiet soft guy (though Villanueva clearly has upside.)
But as far as where the roads converged, why did he not do it the other way around? Trade Hamilton and surround Chauncey with young talent. I guess in his mind he thought Rodney Stuckey was a point guard.
Now the Pistons get the 7th pick so we'll get somebody good but not franchise like. And they'll need to trade all the over the hill dudes before they even have a chance to begin to rise again.
As far as the Pistons go, wake me up in a few years.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
A Roaming Suh
With the Red Wings playoff run done, the Pistons poised to suck for the foreseeable future, and the Tigers on their annual slow death march through summer, the only thing to be excited about is the potential for the Lions not to be the worst team in the NFL.
This article from Yahoo Sports got me salivating and dreaming of a defense that will not be ranked dead last in the NFL.
This article from Yahoo Sports got me salivating and dreaming of a defense that will not be ranked dead last in the NFL.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
2010 Detroit Lions Schedule
The NFL released the 2010 season schedule on Tuesday and as usual it looks pretty scary for the Lions, only because once again they have to play NFL teams which as we know they don't do too well against.
Of course with the draft and the off-season optimism many bold predictions are being made about the Lions winning as many as 7-8 games. I do not share in this optimism and think the Lions are a still a few seasons away from any sort of respectability. There is a pretty good chance that the Lions could make it four years in a row as the worst defense in the NFL. Though there has been improvement with the defense with some new names it'll be young unproven guys and veterans who washed out with their last teams. On the other hand, the Lions offense could actually be pretty good.
The top end with the Lions will be six wins. Hopefully they win a game on the road before they break their own record of road futility with their 25th straight road loss (they are currently are at 22).
The only wins I can see are St Louis, Washington, Buffalo, Chicago and Tampa Bay. (5-11) And maybe they steal another one somewhere.
Game 1 @ Chicago
Game 2 vs Philadelphia
Game 3 @ Minnesota
Game 4 @ Green Bay
Game 5 vs St. Louis
Game 6 @ New York Giants
BYE
Game 7 vs Washington
Game 8 vs New York Jets
Game 9 @ Buffalo
Game 10 @ Dallas
Game 11 vs New England
Game 12 vs Chicago
Game 13 vs Green Bay
Game 14 @ Tampa Bay
Game 15 @ Miami
Game 16 vs Minnesota
My bold predictions bolded.
UPDATE: I predicted 5-11 and as I write this the Lions are 5-10. Of course they let easy ones slip away from them like the Buffalo Bills and completely self destructed when they could have scored a huge upset (the NY Jets) but six wins for this teams is a possibility going into Sunday and would be huge.
Of course with the draft and the off-season optimism many bold predictions are being made about the Lions winning as many as 7-8 games. I do not share in this optimism and think the Lions are a still a few seasons away from any sort of respectability. There is a pretty good chance that the Lions could make it four years in a row as the worst defense in the NFL. Though there has been improvement with the defense with some new names it'll be young unproven guys and veterans who washed out with their last teams. On the other hand, the Lions offense could actually be pretty good.
The top end with the Lions will be six wins. Hopefully they win a game on the road before they break their own record of road futility with their 25th straight road loss (they are currently are at 22).
The only wins I can see are St Louis, Washington, Buffalo, Chicago and Tampa Bay. (5-11) And maybe they steal another one somewhere.
Game 1 @ Chicago
Game 2 vs Philadelphia
Game 3 @ Minnesota
Game 4 @ Green Bay
Game 5 vs St. Louis
Game 6 @ New York Giants
BYE
Game 7 vs Washington
Game 8 vs New York Jets
Game 9 @ Buffalo
Game 10 @ Dallas
Game 11 vs New England
Game 12 vs Chicago
Game 13 vs Green Bay
Game 14 @ Tampa Bay
Game 15 @ Miami
Game 16 vs Minnesota
My bold predictions bolded.
UPDATE: I predicted 5-11 and as I write this the Lions are 5-10. Of course they let easy ones slip away from them like the Buffalo Bills and completely self destructed when they could have scored a huge upset (the NY Jets) but six wins for this teams is a possibility going into Sunday and would be huge.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
2010 Detroit Lion Draft Picks
After three days of excitement the NFL Draft is finally and thankfully over. For the Lions it was a good one as we picked up the best player in the draft and maybe the best running back too. Here's all 7 players along with what the National Football Post had to say about them.
Round 1 (#2) - Ndamukong Suh - DT
"The Lions have holes on both sides of the football, but Suh could be a real difference maker at the next level. A potential blue-chip defensive lineman who can dominate vs. the run game and knows how to reach the passer. The new cornerstone of the Lions defense." This was the first time since the Lions Drafted LB Chris Claiborne in 1999 that they used a first round pick on a defensive player. (2nd Time. Forgot about LB Ernie Sims in 2006.)
Round 1 (#30) - Jahvid Best - RB
"I absolutely love the pick for the Lions, getting the draft's most dynamic threat. Best not only has the second gear to create in the open field but also the feel to run between the tackles. He runs with a good pad level and is simply so natural with the ball in his hands. He'll end up being the best running back in this class."
Round 3 ( #66) - Amari Spievey - CB
"A thick, well-built cornerback who has the ability to cleanly re-direct in space and find the football. However, Spievey struggles when asked to turn and run down the field. More of a zone corner."
Round 4 (#128) - Jason Fox - OT
"One of the draft's best offensive tackle prospects who fell because of an injury (left knee) during the postseason process. However, he's a good athlete who can redirect and gives the Lions a potential future left tackle."
Round 7 (#213) - Willie Young - DE
"Possesses a great sized frame, but lacks much of a burst off the ball and struggles vs. the run game. Has some upside, but could have a tough time sticking to an NFL roster."
Round 7 (#255) - Tim Toone - KR/WR
"An undersized, productive small-school wideout who will have his work cut out for him making the Lions roster."
Round 1 (#2) - Ndamukong Suh - DT
"The Lions have holes on both sides of the football, but Suh could be a real difference maker at the next level. A potential blue-chip defensive lineman who can dominate vs. the run game and knows how to reach the passer. The new cornerstone of the Lions defense." This was the first time since the Lions Drafted LB Chris Claiborne in 1999 that they used a first round pick on a defensive player. (2nd Time. Forgot about LB Ernie Sims in 2006.)
Round 1 (#30) - Jahvid Best - RB
"I absolutely love the pick for the Lions, getting the draft's most dynamic threat. Best not only has the second gear to create in the open field but also the feel to run between the tackles. He runs with a good pad level and is simply so natural with the ball in his hands. He'll end up being the best running back in this class."
Round 3 ( #66) - Amari Spievey - CB
"A thick, well-built cornerback who has the ability to cleanly re-direct in space and find the football. However, Spievey struggles when asked to turn and run down the field. More of a zone corner."
Round 4 (#128) - Jason Fox - OT
"One of the draft's best offensive tackle prospects who fell because of an injury (left knee) during the postseason process. However, he's a good athlete who can redirect and gives the Lions a potential future left tackle."
Round 7 (#213) - Willie Young - DE
"Possesses a great sized frame, but lacks much of a burst off the ball and struggles vs. the run game. Has some upside, but could have a tough time sticking to an NFL roster."
Round 7 (#255) - Tim Toone - KR/WR
"An undersized, productive small-school wideout who will have his work cut out for him making the Lions roster."
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Wings and Spartans Get Hot at the Right Time
That's what you got to love about the good quality teams. (Especially when they are your teams.) They get hot at the right time. They know how to pace themselves. And they know when to turn it on.
That's what happened with the Spartans (9 wins in 2 years in the NCAA tourney with hopefully two more to come) and now the Red Wings winners of six in a row with six games to go before the playoffs start.
People were down on the Wings but I always believed that somehow, someway the Wings would be there and be ready to go. Of course, the people who were down on them knew more about hockey than I do. But they just couldn't see the forest for the trees.
The Red Wings had some bad luck this year with major injuries (especially the Johan Franzen ACL tear) but that negative is a positive as he is playing well and better rested than he would have been without the injury.
And then how about Jimmy Howard? It seems like Wings management and fans had given up on this guy and now he is carrying the whole load. If he comes through in the playoffs he could be the guy for years to come and would erase a huge question mark about who the goalie of the future will be.
And then the Spartans. Like a machine. This was not expected with the way they ended their season, the injuries and the tough draw in the Midwest region. But in this wide open tournament where 3 #1 seeds didn't make it to the Final Four and 2 #5 seeds did, the Spartans, though underdogs, are in a great position to tough it out and win it all.
That's what happened with the Spartans (9 wins in 2 years in the NCAA tourney with hopefully two more to come) and now the Red Wings winners of six in a row with six games to go before the playoffs start.
People were down on the Wings but I always believed that somehow, someway the Wings would be there and be ready to go. Of course, the people who were down on them knew more about hockey than I do. But they just couldn't see the forest for the trees.
The Red Wings had some bad luck this year with major injuries (especially the Johan Franzen ACL tear) but that negative is a positive as he is playing well and better rested than he would have been without the injury.
And then how about Jimmy Howard? It seems like Wings management and fans had given up on this guy and now he is carrying the whole load. If he comes through in the playoffs he could be the guy for years to come and would erase a huge question mark about who the goalie of the future will be.
And then the Spartans. Like a machine. This was not expected with the way they ended their season, the injuries and the tough draw in the Midwest region. But in this wide open tournament where 3 #1 seeds didn't make it to the Final Four and 2 #5 seeds did, the Spartans, though underdogs, are in a great position to tough it out and win it all.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Please Draft Suh!
The only thing that makes me crazier than the Detroit Lions is their fans. I should know better but I'm always lurking in the fan forums and even in the depths of the off-season the fans have plenty to say.
Last year it was we can't draft a quarterback we need defense. So everybody was on the Aaron Curry bandwagon who the press and draft pundits had rated the #1 defensive prospect. When they took the quarterback #1 fans were apoplectic. How could they do that before they drafted defense to what is and continues to be one of the WORST DEFENSES IN NFL HISTORY year after pathetic year.
This year everybody is happy with the QB pick. That turned out well and since the guy just turned 22 we can shift our focus from needing a quarterback hopefully for a decade or more to fix that defense. Except there are some people who want to draft a left tackle. huh? Don't we already have 2 first-round offensive tackles on our O-line already. Sure they're not great but not talked about as the worst in the history of the league. And for those who insisted on defense, doesn't it seem as though the time is right to draft a defensive player in the 1st round. Since the 1999 draft we have drafted defense only once - Ernie Sims our much maligned weak side linebacker. (In that time we have drafted 3 OT's - one being Stocker McDougle a huge bust.)
Add in we have a chance to draft a 300 pound Defensive Tackle that could be one of the true athletic freaks of the last few drafts and now the fans say pass? I hate the term no-brainer. But it applies here. We need this guy to be the guy offensive coordinators need to game plan around for the next decade.
Also don't get how fans say, let's trade down and save money and get a couple of cheaper, less talented players. I really don't give a shit how much the best player costs the Lions. The economics is not my problem. If they didn't want to spend a lot of money on their rookies they could have hired people who would have run the team better so they didn't need to draft that high. The only way the move not to take Suh makes sense if he rates out as good as a a handful of other players they could take back a few picks in the first round.
And just for the record, I will be apoplectic if the Lions don't take Suh. This guy got more sacks in the Big 12 championship game than the Lions did all last season. (or pretty close.) Got to do it. Please get this done.
Last year it was we can't draft a quarterback we need defense. So everybody was on the Aaron Curry bandwagon who the press and draft pundits had rated the #1 defensive prospect. When they took the quarterback #1 fans were apoplectic. How could they do that before they drafted defense to what is and continues to be one of the WORST DEFENSES IN NFL HISTORY year after pathetic year.
This year everybody is happy with the QB pick. That turned out well and since the guy just turned 22 we can shift our focus from needing a quarterback hopefully for a decade or more to fix that defense. Except there are some people who want to draft a left tackle. huh? Don't we already have 2 first-round offensive tackles on our O-line already. Sure they're not great but not talked about as the worst in the history of the league. And for those who insisted on defense, doesn't it seem as though the time is right to draft a defensive player in the 1st round. Since the 1999 draft we have drafted defense only once - Ernie Sims our much maligned weak side linebacker. (In that time we have drafted 3 OT's - one being Stocker McDougle a huge bust.)
Add in we have a chance to draft a 300 pound Defensive Tackle that could be one of the true athletic freaks of the last few drafts and now the fans say pass? I hate the term no-brainer. But it applies here. We need this guy to be the guy offensive coordinators need to game plan around for the next decade.
Also don't get how fans say, let's trade down and save money and get a couple of cheaper, less talented players. I really don't give a shit how much the best player costs the Lions. The economics is not my problem. If they didn't want to spend a lot of money on their rookies they could have hired people who would have run the team better so they didn't need to draft that high. The only way the move not to take Suh makes sense if he rates out as good as a a handful of other players they could take back a few picks in the first round.
And just for the record, I will be apoplectic if the Lions don't take Suh. This guy got more sacks in the Big 12 championship game than the Lions did all last season. (or pretty close.) Got to do it. Please get this done.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"I'm Henrik Zetterberg and I'll take that burger to go."
I was getting a Lucky Burger this past Friday for lunch and the cashier asked me who my favorite athlete was. I asked why he needed to know this and he said instead of taking our real names for our orders it would be our favorite sports figures.
"Ok, Henrik Zetterberg," I said
"That's awesome," said the cashier. He had no idea.
The dudes who handled the orders were also bit confused. Who is that? Centerman for the Detroit Red Wings. Huh? I remember when the Wings had Sergei Fedorov on their team. I'm sure many a Red Wings fan are pleased that is still somebody's first association with the team.
These story seems a lot better when I tell it.
There was some misguided white dude who said Michael Jordan was his favorite player. I hate Jordan, the Chicago Bulls and feel sorry for that guy.
"Ok, Henrik Zetterberg," I said
"That's awesome," said the cashier. He had no idea.
The dudes who handled the orders were also bit confused. Who is that? Centerman for the Detroit Red Wings. Huh? I remember when the Wings had Sergei Fedorov on their team. I'm sure many a Red Wings fan are pleased that is still somebody's first association with the team.
These story seems a lot better when I tell it.
There was some misguided white dude who said Michael Jordan was his favorite player. I hate Jordan, the Chicago Bulls and feel sorry for that guy.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Mock Drafts 2.0
Ok, I know Mock Drafts suck especially more than two months before the draft but I can't help myself. The Bleacher Report put together an updated Lions draft and I think it's a good one.
Round #1 Gerald McCoy - DT (Oklahoma)
Round #2 Brandon Ghee - CB (Wake Forest) - This one may be a bit of a reach.
Round #3 Reshad Jones, SS (Georgia)
Round #4 Jared Veldheer, OT (Hillsdale)
Round #5(a) John Jerry, OG (Ole Miss)
Round #5(b) Antonio Brown, WR/KR (Central Michigan)
Round #6 LaMarcus Coker, RB (Hampton)
Round #7 Kade Weston, DT (Georgia)
I love the defense in the first three rounds (Defensive Tackle, Cornerback and Safety), two new developmental projects for the offensive line (Tackle and a Guard) and speed at running back and wide receiver in the later rounds. If it falls like this, I will be happy with the Lions draft.
Round #1 Gerald McCoy - DT (Oklahoma)
Round #2 Brandon Ghee - CB (Wake Forest) - This one may be a bit of a reach.
Round #3 Reshad Jones, SS (Georgia)
Round #4 Jared Veldheer, OT (Hillsdale)
Round #5(a) John Jerry, OG (Ole Miss)
Round #5(b) Antonio Brown, WR/KR (Central Michigan)
Round #6 LaMarcus Coker, RB (Hampton)
Round #7 Kade Weston, DT (Georgia)
I love the defense in the first three rounds (Defensive Tackle, Cornerback and Safety), two new developmental projects for the offensive line (Tackle and a Guard) and speed at running back and wide receiver in the later rounds. If it falls like this, I will be happy with the Lions draft.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Lions and Stafford May be Awesome in 2014 season
The good news for the Detroit Lions (besides their season being over) is they will retain their head coach and their offensive and defensive coordinators for the 2010 season. This is the first time they have retained all three positions in 13 years (no, seriously). That is truly amazing and explains a lot of what went wrong for them in the last decade.
Take a look at the top 12 quarterbacks for the 2009 NFL season and it becomes clear what the time line will be for any Lion success. Because they will need their quarterback Matthew Stafford to be in the top third of NFL quarterbacks to be in playoff contention. Nine of the quarterbacks in the top 12 led their teams to the playoffs. The three other playoff quarterbacks were Joe Flacco at #13 and Carson Palmer at #16 and Mark Sanchez who amazingly led his team to the playoffs ranked #28.
Continuity will also be important for the development of Matthew Stafford. Not that what I'm saying here is anything profound but none other than Former Lions Head Coach Steve Mariucci backs me up, "...(Stafford)'s got to have some continuity in his preparation, his scheme, his off-seasons, his training camps, his practice routine. It can't be changing coaches over there. ... It can't happen, or he's going to make progress and fall back, make progress and fall back."
Each of the top 12 quarterbacks in 2009 have been in the league at least 5 seasons. Aaron Rodgers is the most junior of the top dozen and of course his development was a bit different than Stafford. He didn't start a game until last year, his 4th season in the NFL, but is already in the top 5. The Packers handled that situation well although they did let Brett Farve leave and he ended up the #2 quarterback in 2009.
Also, all the top 12 quarterbacks with the exception of Brett Farve, have worked with their Head Coach and/or Offensive Coordinator for at least three seasons. So let's all hope and pray that Lions OC Scott Linehan sticks around in addition to Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz.
The statistics also make clear that the Lions are at least 2 seasons away from seriously thinking playoffs. And to become one of the top teams, they will most likely have to wait for Stafford's 6th season.
Of course this is the Lions. So expect the unexpected (and the worst.)
Top 12 quarterbacks (includes draft position, NFL tenure and time with coaches)
1. Drew Brees NO (13-3) ; (2001, #32 Round 2) (9th season)
4th season with New Orleans and Head Coach Sean Payton
2. Brett Farve MIN (12-4) ; (1991; #33 Round 2) (19th season - 1 Superbowl)
1st season with Minnesota and Head Coach Brad Childress
3. Phillip Rivers SD (13-3) ; (2004; #4) (6th season)
6th Season with San Diego; 3rd with Norv Turner and before that 3 seasons with Marty Schottenheimer.
4. Aaron Rodgers GB (11-5) ; (2005; #24) (5th season)
5th Season with Green Bay and 4th with Head Coach Mike McCarthy. The Packer have had the same offensive coordinator Joe Philbin for the past 3 seasons (and been with the Packers for 7 seasons.)
5. Ben Roethlisberger PIT (9-7); (2005, #11) (6th season - 2 Superbowls)
6th Season; 3rd with Mike Tomlin and before that 3 Seasons with Bill Cower. His offensive coordinator with the team for six years the first three as wide receivers coach.
6. Peyton Manning IND (14-2); (1998, #1) (12th season - 1 Superbowl)
12th Season all with Tom Moore as his Offensive Coordinator.
7. Matt Schaub HOU (9-7) ; (2004; #90 Round 3) (6th season)
3rd Season with Houston Texans and 3rd Season with Gary Kubiak. 2009 was his offensive coordinator Rick Dennison's first season with the Texans.
8. Tony Romo DAL (11-5) ; (2003 Undrafted) (6th NFL season)
6th Season and 3rd Season with Wade Phillips and before that 3 seasons with Bill Parcells
9. Tom Brady NE (10-6) ; (2000; #166 Round 6) (10th season - 3 Superbowls)
10th Season with NE Patriots and Head Coach Bill Belichick
10. Kurt Warner ARI (10-6) ; (1994 Undrafted) (12th season - 1 Superbowl)
5th Season with Arizona and 3rd Season with Ken Whisenhunt
11. Eli Manning NYG (8-8) ; (2004; #1) (6th season - 1 Superbowl)
6th Season with NY Giants and Head Coach Tom Coughlin
12. Donovan McNabb PHI (11-5) ; (1999, #2) (11th season)
11th Season with Philadelphia Eagles and Head Coach Andy Reid
Rookie and First Year Quarterbacks
13. Joe Flacco BAL (9-7) ; (2008; #18) (2nd season)
2nd Season with Baltimore Ravens and Head Coach John Harbaugh
20. Matt Ryan ATL (9-7) ; (2008; #3) (2nd season)
2nd Season with Atlanta and Head Coach
22. Chad Henne MIA (7-9) ; (2008; #57 Round 2)(2nd season)
2nd Season with Miami Dolphins and Head Coach
28. Mark Sanchez NYJ (9-7) ; (2009; #5) (Rookie)
1st Season with Jets and Head Coach Rex Ryan
29. Matthew Stafford DET (2-14) ; (2009; #1) (Rookie)
1st Season with Lions and Head Coach Jim Schwartz and Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan
30. Josh Freeman TB (3-13) ; (2009; #17) (Rookie)
1st Season with Buccaneers and Head Coach Raheem Morris
p.s. Let's hand it to the Lions for drafting Stafford. The quarterback class this year looks pretty thin and there may not be a prospect of Stafford's caliber for a few years. And when that times comes, you may not be able to get him. A lot of fans wanted Aaron Curry who may not turn out to be that much better of a player than our 3rd round pick Deandre Levy.
Take a look at the top 12 quarterbacks for the 2009 NFL season and it becomes clear what the time line will be for any Lion success. Because they will need their quarterback Matthew Stafford to be in the top third of NFL quarterbacks to be in playoff contention. Nine of the quarterbacks in the top 12 led their teams to the playoffs. The three other playoff quarterbacks were Joe Flacco at #13 and Carson Palmer at #16 and Mark Sanchez who amazingly led his team to the playoffs ranked #28.
Continuity will also be important for the development of Matthew Stafford. Not that what I'm saying here is anything profound but none other than Former Lions Head Coach Steve Mariucci backs me up, "...(Stafford)'s got to have some continuity in his preparation, his scheme, his off-seasons, his training camps, his practice routine. It can't be changing coaches over there. ... It can't happen, or he's going to make progress and fall back, make progress and fall back."
Each of the top 12 quarterbacks in 2009 have been in the league at least 5 seasons. Aaron Rodgers is the most junior of the top dozen and of course his development was a bit different than Stafford. He didn't start a game until last year, his 4th season in the NFL, but is already in the top 5. The Packers handled that situation well although they did let Brett Farve leave and he ended up the #2 quarterback in 2009.
Also, all the top 12 quarterbacks with the exception of Brett Farve, have worked with their Head Coach and/or Offensive Coordinator for at least three seasons. So let's all hope and pray that Lions OC Scott Linehan sticks around in addition to Lions Head Coach Jim Schwartz.
The statistics also make clear that the Lions are at least 2 seasons away from seriously thinking playoffs. And to become one of the top teams, they will most likely have to wait for Stafford's 6th season.
Of course this is the Lions. So expect the unexpected (and the worst.)
Top 12 quarterbacks (includes draft position, NFL tenure and time with coaches)
1. Drew Brees NO (13-3) ; (2001, #32 Round 2) (9th season)
4th season with New Orleans and Head Coach Sean Payton
2. Brett Farve MIN (12-4) ; (1991; #33 Round 2) (19th season - 1 Superbowl)
1st season with Minnesota and Head Coach Brad Childress
3. Phillip Rivers SD (13-3) ; (2004; #4) (6th season)
6th Season with San Diego; 3rd with Norv Turner and before that 3 seasons with Marty Schottenheimer.
4. Aaron Rodgers GB (11-5) ; (2005; #24) (5th season)
5th Season with Green Bay and 4th with Head Coach Mike McCarthy. The Packer have had the same offensive coordinator Joe Philbin for the past 3 seasons (and been with the Packers for 7 seasons.)
5. Ben Roethlisberger PIT (9-7); (2005, #11) (6th season - 2 Superbowls)
6th Season; 3rd with Mike Tomlin and before that 3 Seasons with Bill Cower. His offensive coordinator with the team for six years the first three as wide receivers coach.
6. Peyton Manning IND (14-2); (1998, #1) (12th season - 1 Superbowl)
12th Season all with Tom Moore as his Offensive Coordinator.
7. Matt Schaub HOU (9-7) ; (2004; #90 Round 3) (6th season)
3rd Season with Houston Texans and 3rd Season with Gary Kubiak. 2009 was his offensive coordinator Rick Dennison's first season with the Texans.
8. Tony Romo DAL (11-5) ; (2003 Undrafted) (6th NFL season)
6th Season and 3rd Season with Wade Phillips and before that 3 seasons with Bill Parcells
9. Tom Brady NE (10-6) ; (2000; #166 Round 6) (10th season - 3 Superbowls)
10th Season with NE Patriots and Head Coach Bill Belichick
10. Kurt Warner ARI (10-6) ; (1994 Undrafted) (12th season - 1 Superbowl)
5th Season with Arizona and 3rd Season with Ken Whisenhunt
11. Eli Manning NYG (8-8) ; (2004; #1) (6th season - 1 Superbowl)
6th Season with NY Giants and Head Coach Tom Coughlin
12. Donovan McNabb PHI (11-5) ; (1999, #2) (11th season)
11th Season with Philadelphia Eagles and Head Coach Andy Reid
Rookie and First Year Quarterbacks
13. Joe Flacco BAL (9-7) ; (2008; #18) (2nd season)
2nd Season with Baltimore Ravens and Head Coach John Harbaugh
20. Matt Ryan ATL (9-7) ; (2008; #3) (2nd season)
2nd Season with Atlanta and Head Coach
22. Chad Henne MIA (7-9) ; (2008; #57 Round 2)(2nd season)
2nd Season with Miami Dolphins and Head Coach
28. Mark Sanchez NYJ (9-7) ; (2009; #5) (Rookie)
1st Season with Jets and Head Coach Rex Ryan
29. Matthew Stafford DET (2-14) ; (2009; #1) (Rookie)
1st Season with Lions and Head Coach Jim Schwartz and Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan
30. Josh Freeman TB (3-13) ; (2009; #17) (Rookie)
1st Season with Buccaneers and Head Coach Raheem Morris
p.s. Let's hand it to the Lions for drafting Stafford. The quarterback class this year looks pretty thin and there may not be a prospect of Stafford's caliber for a few years. And when that times comes, you may not be able to get him. A lot of fans wanted Aaron Curry who may not turn out to be that much better of a player than our 3rd round pick Deandre Levy.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Red Wings and Detroit Pistons May One Day Share a Downtown Arena
The Red Wings and the Pistons together in a new state of the art downtown Detroit arena. Too good to be true, right?
While two thing have occurred that makes this once unthinkable prospect a good possibility. One is the unfortunate passing of Pistons owner Bill Davidson this past year, and the other is the Red Wings ending their current 30 year lease at Joe Louis Arena.
Davidson always had a problem with Detroit (moving them out of Cobo Arena when he bought the team) and chose to build his Pistons and Palace Entertainment empire 25 miles or so north in Auburn Hills. His wife and surviving heirs are now looking to potentially sell the franchise (confirmed), and even work some sort of partnership with the Red Wings and the Ilitch family.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings are in the process of negotiating a new lease agreement with the city of Detroit for Joe Louis and could even potentially move to the Palace for a few years as the teams together build a new arena.
I'm a big fan of a new arena and I would love to see it downtown. Given the uncertain economic situation of the Michigan area, not even too mention the NHL and NBA, it only makes sense for franchises to share the costs of building and maintaining a new arena. This is currently how it's done in 9 cities including New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas and Atlanta.
As a fan who grew up on the East Side south of 8 mile, it has to be downtown. The Palace is only convenient for a small percentage of Detroit area residents and while getting there is fine for a once in a while concert it does not make a whole lot of sense for a team that plays 40 dates a year. I know there are safety, aesthetic and people with their cracker issues about a Detroit site, but all major expressways lead in and out of Detroit. If it's good enough for three of the four Detroit teams, should be good enough for all four.
While I like the atmosphere and good memories at Joe Louis, it's in a horrible location and that area could be better served by expanding Cobo Center (maybe some nice terraces along the river.) The Ilitch's also own all that land west of Woodward and I'm sure already have a pretty good idea of where it will go.
In the meantime, where do the Wings play. I thought this configuration of the Frozen Four at the Ford Field was interesting. Maybe the Wings could play there for a few years while a new arena is built.
The Detroit Free Press business writer weighed in on the news . Given the state of the economy, he doesn't expect big news (sale of the Pistons or a new arena) anytime soon.
This article from Crain's Detroit Business is 7 months old but still has the best information on the Wings lease situation at the Joe The Wings have until June 30, 2010 to work out a new lease with the city.
While two thing have occurred that makes this once unthinkable prospect a good possibility. One is the unfortunate passing of Pistons owner Bill Davidson this past year, and the other is the Red Wings ending their current 30 year lease at Joe Louis Arena.
Davidson always had a problem with Detroit (moving them out of Cobo Arena when he bought the team) and chose to build his Pistons and Palace Entertainment empire 25 miles or so north in Auburn Hills. His wife and surviving heirs are now looking to potentially sell the franchise (confirmed), and even work some sort of partnership with the Red Wings and the Ilitch family.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings are in the process of negotiating a new lease agreement with the city of Detroit for Joe Louis and could even potentially move to the Palace for a few years as the teams together build a new arena.
I'm a big fan of a new arena and I would love to see it downtown. Given the uncertain economic situation of the Michigan area, not even too mention the NHL and NBA, it only makes sense for franchises to share the costs of building and maintaining a new arena. This is currently how it's done in 9 cities including New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas and Atlanta.
As a fan who grew up on the East Side south of 8 mile, it has to be downtown. The Palace is only convenient for a small percentage of Detroit area residents and while getting there is fine for a once in a while concert it does not make a whole lot of sense for a team that plays 40 dates a year. I know there are safety, aesthetic and people with their cracker issues about a Detroit site, but all major expressways lead in and out of Detroit. If it's good enough for three of the four Detroit teams, should be good enough for all four.
While I like the atmosphere and good memories at Joe Louis, it's in a horrible location and that area could be better served by expanding Cobo Center (maybe some nice terraces along the river.) The Ilitch's also own all that land west of Woodward and I'm sure already have a pretty good idea of where it will go.
In the meantime, where do the Wings play. I thought this configuration of the Frozen Four at the Ford Field was interesting. Maybe the Wings could play there for a few years while a new arena is built.
The Detroit Free Press business writer weighed in on the news . Given the state of the economy, he doesn't expect big news (sale of the Pistons or a new arena) anytime soon.
This article from Crain's Detroit Business is 7 months old but still has the best information on the Wings lease situation at the Joe The Wings have until June 30, 2010 to work out a new lease with the city.
Friday, January 15, 2010
NFL Picks: the Divisional Round
I didn't officially make picks last week but trust me I did well. Four games, four wins. Haha. Just kidding although I had a strong feeling about the Baltimore Ravens and that will continue into this week. The only game I missed on was the Packers loss to the Cardinals. Still bummed about that one.
Baltimore Ravens (+6.5) vs Indy Colts - Going to push my luck and pick the Ravens and say that they'll make it two years in a row as the #1 seed spoiler in the AFC. History suggests the Colts don't do well with the extra week and the high seed and I think it'll be deja vu all over again.
New Orleans Saints (-7) vs Arizona Cardinals - New Orleans will win this game but the game could be close. New Orleans has been horrendous against the spread the second half of the season. The Saints actually had a decent defense before injuries and they are getting some of those players back. The cover is a bit tough but Brees can dial up scores like a good pinball player.
Minnesota Vikings (-3) vs. Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys are the hot team and they could very likely win this game but until they beat a good team in an important playoff game not going to be the chump who bets on them. Vikings 8-0 and average 33 points per game at home.
NY Jets (+7) vs San Diego Chargers - Everything has to go right for the Jets to win and when does that happen for the Jets in a big game. Chargers have been here before and should pull this one out. But I think 7 is a big spread so I say the Jets cover.
Last Week: 3-1 (Really, I swear)
Season: 136-120
Baltimore Ravens (+6.5) vs Indy Colts - Going to push my luck and pick the Ravens and say that they'll make it two years in a row as the #1 seed spoiler in the AFC. History suggests the Colts don't do well with the extra week and the high seed and I think it'll be deja vu all over again.
New Orleans Saints (-7) vs Arizona Cardinals - New Orleans will win this game but the game could be close. New Orleans has been horrendous against the spread the second half of the season. The Saints actually had a decent defense before injuries and they are getting some of those players back. The cover is a bit tough but Brees can dial up scores like a good pinball player.
Minnesota Vikings (-3) vs. Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys are the hot team and they could very likely win this game but until they beat a good team in an important playoff game not going to be the chump who bets on them. Vikings 8-0 and average 33 points per game at home.
NY Jets (+7) vs San Diego Chargers - Everything has to go right for the Jets to win and when does that happen for the Jets in a big game. Chargers have been here before and should pull this one out. But I think 7 is a big spread so I say the Jets cover.
Last Week: 3-1 (Really, I swear)
Season: 136-120
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
2010 Mock Draft #1
So in keeping with the pathetic-ness of being a Detroit Lions fans I am already trolling the Internet for 2010 Mock Drafts. It's way early to do such a thing and find anything close to the way reality will play out with the playoffs and the Super Bowl still here for the next few weeks and the NFL scouting combine out there somewhere in March, or whenever it is. But what can can you do, if only there was a fast forward button so your NFL franchise could get better, faster, that would be awesome.
As Lions fans know, we made amazing progress this year. Whereas last year, we had zero wins and the number one pick this year we won two games and choose second. Now we have to hope the Rams do what we did last year, and that is pick a quarterback. Because you need a quarterback, everybody knows that and especially an underclassman from a program that did not win much of anything when the QB played there. (i.e. Jimmy Claussen)
So I never visited this Draft Site but they had full 7 round NFL mock draft. Talk about parlor games. Not sure how these guys make their predictions but I was loving it and here's what their crystal ball said about who the Lions will pick.
Round 1 - Gerald McCoy, DT - (Oklahoma) - Now the best player in the draft, the beast from Nebraska is Ndamukong Suh who these guys think will go to the Rams. So dare to dream that the Rams take the QB so the Lions get him. Interestingly, Suh's mother is from Jamaica and his father from Cameroon and the two met in Portland, Oregon. I'm sure we're going to hear a ton about this guy (his motor, his desire, his play making ability, how much he eats, how he doesn't care if he goes to the Lions or the Rams, that he just wants to play, etc.) But nothing about his background. Except for those of us curious and tech savvy enough to visit his Wikipedia page. But enough about him, McCoy is a fine runner up and is exactly what the Lions need.
Round 2 - Greg Hardy, DE - (Mississippi) - I love these Draft Site guys already, having the Lions sensibly choose two defensive linemen with their first two picks. (Also like these guys because they put the full 7 round mock on one web page. No clicking!) I just hope the Lions are as smart although we could also use the best player available strategy if that player is a cornerback or offensive linemen.
Round 3 - Jon Asamoah - OG (Illinois) - We do need a guard and here we mock one in the third round, really like what these guys are doing.
Round 4 - Ted Larsen - OT (North Carolina State) - Man, I want to hire these guys to be the new GM's of the Lions. They are doing what the Lions never do but need to do so badly and build in the "trenches." So four picks and we've got two beasts for the defense and two hogs for the offense. We're talking well over 1200 pounds of football players - a good value.
Round 5 - Ed Wang - OT (Virgina Tech) - Now maybe getting a little crazy. Another linemen? We need some toys. Maybe a wide receiver, a running back or at least a cornerback.
Round 6 - Zoltan Mesko - P (Michigan) - They lost me here. A punter? Nick Harris is actually one of the better ones as long as he doesn't give the guy a chance to return the ball. I'd rather head coach Jim Schwartz make a pledge to never punt the whole season than draft a punter here. (Though we do punt a lot so maybe this does make sense.)
Round 7 - Kerry Meier - WR (Kansas) - We actually traded this pick to the Bills but we do have another selection later in the round. I'm all good here. Another guy to run under Matthew Stafford's well thrown balls. Your team should be good enough where a 7th round pick has trouble making the team.
One guy who was not in this mock draft who I'd like to learn more about is Joe Webb, QB, Alabama/Birmingham. Apparently, he was the first person in NCAA history to pass for 2K yards and rush for 1K yards in consecutive seasons. He also can play WR. Might be cool to build some wildcat offensive plays around him.
More Mockery
The Bleacher Report (in a lame slideshow format) concurs with Gerald McCoy to the Lions at number 2.
Walter Football has better news for the Lions: Ndamukong Suh in round 1. Then Jahvid Best, RB, California in the 2nd round and then Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky in the 3rd. (Actually this was the closest to what really happened. Good Job!)
As Lions fans know, we made amazing progress this year. Whereas last year, we had zero wins and the number one pick this year we won two games and choose second. Now we have to hope the Rams do what we did last year, and that is pick a quarterback. Because you need a quarterback, everybody knows that and especially an underclassman from a program that did not win much of anything when the QB played there. (i.e. Jimmy Claussen)
So I never visited this Draft Site but they had full 7 round NFL mock draft. Talk about parlor games. Not sure how these guys make their predictions but I was loving it and here's what their crystal ball said about who the Lions will pick.
Round 1 - Gerald McCoy, DT - (Oklahoma) - Now the best player in the draft, the beast from Nebraska is Ndamukong Suh who these guys think will go to the Rams. So dare to dream that the Rams take the QB so the Lions get him. Interestingly, Suh's mother is from Jamaica and his father from Cameroon and the two met in Portland, Oregon. I'm sure we're going to hear a ton about this guy (his motor, his desire, his play making ability, how much he eats, how he doesn't care if he goes to the Lions or the Rams, that he just wants to play, etc.) But nothing about his background. Except for those of us curious and tech savvy enough to visit his Wikipedia page. But enough about him, McCoy is a fine runner up and is exactly what the Lions need.
Round 2 - Greg Hardy, DE - (Mississippi) - I love these Draft Site guys already, having the Lions sensibly choose two defensive linemen with their first two picks. (Also like these guys because they put the full 7 round mock on one web page. No clicking!) I just hope the Lions are as smart although we could also use the best player available strategy if that player is a cornerback or offensive linemen.
Round 3 - Jon Asamoah - OG (Illinois) - We do need a guard and here we mock one in the third round, really like what these guys are doing.
Round 4 - Ted Larsen - OT (North Carolina State) - Man, I want to hire these guys to be the new GM's of the Lions. They are doing what the Lions never do but need to do so badly and build in the "trenches." So four picks and we've got two beasts for the defense and two hogs for the offense. We're talking well over 1200 pounds of football players - a good value.
Round 5 - Ed Wang - OT (Virgina Tech) - Now maybe getting a little crazy. Another linemen? We need some toys. Maybe a wide receiver, a running back or at least a cornerback.
Round 6 - Zoltan Mesko - P (Michigan) - They lost me here. A punter? Nick Harris is actually one of the better ones as long as he doesn't give the guy a chance to return the ball. I'd rather head coach Jim Schwartz make a pledge to never punt the whole season than draft a punter here. (Though we do punt a lot so maybe this does make sense.)
Round 7 - Kerry Meier - WR (Kansas) - We actually traded this pick to the Bills but we do have another selection later in the round. I'm all good here. Another guy to run under Matthew Stafford's well thrown balls. Your team should be good enough where a 7th round pick has trouble making the team.
One guy who was not in this mock draft who I'd like to learn more about is Joe Webb, QB, Alabama/Birmingham. Apparently, he was the first person in NCAA history to pass for 2K yards and rush for 1K yards in consecutive seasons. He also can play WR. Might be cool to build some wildcat offensive plays around him.
More Mockery
The Bleacher Report (in a lame slideshow format) concurs with Gerald McCoy to the Lions at number 2.
Walter Football has better news for the Lions: Ndamukong Suh in round 1. Then Jahvid Best, RB, California in the 2nd round and then Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky in the 3rd. (Actually this was the closest to what really happened. Good Job!)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Lions hand off the Losing Baton to the Pistons
Ok,I'm excited because the Lions have to be at their absolute rock bottom. The full decade record is in and it's ugly: historically ugly. The Lions in the oughts were 33 wins against 111 losses which has been capped by a 3-37 record in their last forty games.
But I'm all for looking at the positive. For the first time in forever we don't have to worry about drafting or acquiring a quarterback (or sticking with the crappy one we have) this off-season. The one we drafted #1 seems to be pretty good and he's only 21.
The Lions NFL defense (just barely, ranked last the past three years) has improved with players they chose in the last draft. We even had three rookie starters that may anchor the middle for years to come (DT Sammie Hill, LB Deandre Levy and S Louis Delmas.)
Hopefully the teens bring mediocrity to the Detroit Lions. I think they have it in them.
The Wall Street Journal conducts a Misfits Bowl and the Lions win with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs 27-17.
No relief from the losing with our NBA team. The Pistons losing streak goes to 11.
But I'm all for looking at the positive. For the first time in forever we don't have to worry about drafting or acquiring a quarterback (or sticking with the crappy one we have) this off-season. The one we drafted #1 seems to be pretty good and he's only 21.
The Lions NFL defense (just barely, ranked last the past three years) has improved with players they chose in the last draft. We even had three rookie starters that may anchor the middle for years to come (DT Sammie Hill, LB Deandre Levy and S Louis Delmas.)
Hopefully the teens bring mediocrity to the Detroit Lions. I think they have it in them.
The Wall Street Journal conducts a Misfits Bowl and the Lions win with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs 27-17.
No relief from the losing with our NBA team. The Pistons losing streak goes to 11.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Wrapping up the NFL Regular Season
My first season picking all NFL games against the spread has come to an end. The final record is 136-120. That was good enough for the 97.3% percentile on ESPN's Pig Skin Pick em (4,215 of about 130,000 entrants.) Which I must say is pretty impressive but I do get the feeling a lot of people dropped out halfway through the process. The winner chose 156 of the games so I do have a ways to go although if I had only picked 1 more winner a week I would have made it close. And take away my two disastrous weeks and put me on that big board as a winner.
Thankfully the Lions season is now over. No more suffering through their ineptness. Now comes the best part of being a Lions fan. Who they will take with the second pick in the draft? Hopefully some sort of monstrous defensive lineman. So I will be checking this list often.
Thankfully the Lions season is now over. No more suffering through their ineptness. Now comes the best part of being a Lions fan. Who they will take with the second pick in the draft? Hopefully some sort of monstrous defensive lineman. So I will be checking this list often.
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