Long Live the Lindell AC

Sometimes a Statistic is Worth a 1000 words

2011-01-03T19:29:00.000-08:00

From the Elias Sports Bureau: The Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 20-13, to finish their season with four consecutive victories. That's as many wins as Detroit posted in its previous 45 games combined (4-41), dating back to December 2007.

Even better, the Lions Defense that ranked dead last the past three years was nearly average.

Defense
Total Yards - #21 (343.6 yards/game)
Passing Yards - #16 (218.6 yards/game)
Rushing Yards - #24 (124.9 yards/game)
Points - #19 (23.1 points/game)

The Offense was no slouch either considering they played with their 2nd and 3rd string quarterbacks for most of the season.

Offense
Total Yards - #17 (338.9 yards/game)
Passing Yards - #12 (238.1 yards/game)
Rushing Yards - #23 (100.8 yards/game)
Points - #15 (22.6 points/game)

Individually, our running backs need to have a better season but how about our top three receivers.
1. Calvin Johnson (15 Games, 77 Receptions, 1120 Yards, 12 Touchdowns)
2. Brandon Pettigrew (16 Games, 71 Receptions, 722 Yards, 4 Touchdowns)
3. Nate Burleson (14 Games, 55 Receptions, 625 Yards, 6 Touchdowns)

Though I Do Like the Dual Threat Potential of Jahvid Best Next Season
Rushing (171 Carries, 555 Yards, 4 Touchdowns) + Receiving (58 Receptions, 487 Yards, 2 Touchdowns)
= 1042 Yards and 6 Touchdowns

2010 Season By The Numbers [House of Spears]

Obligatory, Overdue and Somewhat Lame End of Year Post

2010-12-31T07:01:00.001-08:00

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.

August Excitement: Two Athletes Sign Contracts!

2010-08-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

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).

Long-Term Depression: The Pistons

2010-05-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

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.

A Roaming Suh

2010-05-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

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.

2010 Detroit Lions Schedule

2010-04-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

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.

2010 Detroit Lion Draft Picks

2010-04-24T17:51:00.000-07:00

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."

Wings and Spartans Get Hot at the Right Time

2010-04-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Please Draft Suh!

2010-03-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

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.

"I'm Henrik Zetterberg and I'll take that burger to go."

2010-02-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

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.

Mock Drafts 2.0

2010-02-03T11:23:00.001-08:00

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.

Lions and Stafford May be Awesome in 2014 season

2010-02-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

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.

Red Wings and Detroit Pistons May One Day Share a Downtown Arena

2010-01-19T06:02:00.001-08:00

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.

NFL Picks: the Divisional Round

2010-01-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010 Mock Draft #1

2010-01-12T12:38:00.001-08:00

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!)

The Lions hand off the Losing Baton to the Pistons

2010-01-06T07:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Wrapping up the NFL Regular Season

2010-01-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

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.

Red Wing Pavel Datsyuk on what he enjoys most about hockey

2009-12-28T20:32:00.000-08:00

"I enjoy the passing game the most, when you don't just take the puck, dump it and then chase it, but when you have this understanding with your partners on the ice and create a great move... Just like the old style Soviet hockey. It doesn't happen very often, but it does happen."

From a now classic Puck Daddy blog interview with Pavel Datsyuk. (Part 1 and Part 2)

Week XV Picks

2009-12-16T16:11:00.000-08:00

Week 14 was my return to form. A double digit win total (10) is always impressive when picking NFL games against the spread. So I hope to keep it alive in Week 15, although it does get tougher as the season goes on. Almost makes more sense to have your pet monkey make the picks.

Colts (-6.5) vs Jaguars - Lost this one although the latest line was Colts -3 so if that was correct put one in the win column. Better question is how a 13-0 team can surrender 31 points to Jacksonville. That may not get them too far in the playoffs.

Cowboys (+7.5) vs Saints - I love the Saints. They are my team now. But can't quite get on the right side of the line with these guys lately. This is a going to be a high scoring affair but hoping the Cowboys can keep it within a touchdown.

Cardinals (+10.5) vs Lions - Will be a track meet and relay race for the Cardinals. So many injuries for the Lions and such a porous secondary. Should be brutal. And I will be there to witness it.

Bills (+7.5) vs Patriots - Where once this game was the quick and the dead, now it's the dead and the dead. Bills come through for me. You've been good to me this year.

Dolphins (-3.5) vs Titans - Dolphins got more to play for. A real chance at the playoffs and all. So if they don't win there's something wrong.

Browns (+2.5) vs Chiefs - As a Lions fan I hope the Browns win so the Lions can move into the 3rd spot for the 2010 draft.

Texans (-9.5) vs Rams - Their season now irrelevant, the Texans can now beat up on the women and children.

Falcons (+6.5) vs Jets - The Jets may win this game but they will not cover, or at least that's what I'm hoping.

Eagles (-7.5) vs 49ers - Kind of a big spread but the Eagles are now a scoring machine and the 49ers not so much although the Eagles defense is not so good either.

Chargers (-6.5) vs Bengals - The Chargers are for real and the Bengals should play well but long trip and an emotional week. RIP Chris Henry.

Broncos (+13.5) vs Raiders - This is so many points to give away to the Broncos but the Raiders will be starting their 3rd string quarterback and the Broncos have been beating up on their AFC West brethren all season.

Packers (+.5) vs Steelers - The Packers may be for real. They could run the table the rest of the year and they are only two seasons removed from their Conference Championship home loss.

Seahawks (-7.5) vs Buccaneers - Seahawks are completely non-competitive on the road yet win at home.

Vikings (-7.5) vs Panthers - Two in a row I take teams that are more than touchdown favorites. I must be crazy.

Redskins (+3.5) vs Giants - Fighting some inner compulsions here, but the Redskins got the spoiler smell about them.

Last Week: 10-6
Season: 111-97

Two Touchdowns In (Week 14 Picks)

2009-12-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

A rare Thursday night win for me. Not only did the lowly Cleveland Browns cover they beat the now reeling Steelers. I'll let that victory set the tone for my picks. Go with the underdogs.

Ravens (-13.5) vs Lions - Looks to be another dismal Sunday for the Lions. Rookie Stafford will not be playing making the game not worth watching.

Saints (-9.5) vs Falcons - This is a pretty steep line but the Falcons got smoked at home by a team that is not nearly as good as the Saints last week.

Colts (-7.5) vs Broncos - It's just never wise to bet against Indy. Can't see the Broncos able to keep up with all the scoring.

Bills (-.5) vs Chiefs - Gotta pick one team.

Jets (-3.5) vs Buccaneers - I don't think the Jets are going to the playoffs but I'm pretty sure they will have no trouble beating Tampa on the road.

Dolphins (+2.5) vs Jaguars - Dolphins are a strange team. Hope they keep their recent December winning streak alive.

Seahawks (+6.5) vs Texans - Texans are done.

Bengals (+6.5) vs Vikings - Hoping for a low scoring affair.

Panthers (+13.5) vs Patriots - New England is winning this game. Just not convinced it will be a blowout. But if it is I would not be surprised.

Rams (+12.5) vs Titans - A lot of points for the Titans. Too many.

Raiders (+1.5) vs Redskins - Gotta pick one team.

Chargers (+3.5) vs Cowboys - Tough call. Cowboys desperately need this game. But the Chargers are on cruise control.

Eagles (+.5) vs Giants - Could easily go either way on this game.

Cardinals (-3.5) vs 49ers - Taking the Cardinals because I am so disgusted the 49ers lost to Seattle last week.

Last Week: 5-11
Season: 101-91

Nuggets Visit Pistons (So We Can Witness the Ghost of What Might Have Been)

2009-12-10T13:09:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe we're a quarter of the way through the NBA season. And we already have a pretty good idea how it will end. With Kobe and the Lakers winning the championship. The only thing we can hope to break this inevitable finish is injuries or maybe a massive SoCal earthquake.

As for the Pistons, they are a team in search of an identity. The only starter left from the 2004-2005 Finals magic time is Ben Wallace who returns after his prodigal paydays in Chicago and Cleveland. Rip Hamilton and Tashyn Prince are technically still on the roster but injuries have kept them out of the lineup. And the longer they don't play the more it makes sense to trade them. Because in the upside down world of the NBA, it makes more sense to have that season where you bottom out, get a lottery pick and hopefully also have enough salary cap room cleared to bring in a free agent. I assume since Rip Hamilton re-upped last year it could be prohibitive to trade his contract but the guy is a running around pull-up jump shot scoring machine, maybe somebody in the western conference will order that up.

More painful is Tashyn Prince. When we see Chanucey Billups at the Palace with Carmelo Anthony, Pistons fans will see what might have been if Joe Dumars picked Anthony in the 2004 draft rather than Darko. The reason for gambling on the Serbian big man was we already had Tashyn at small forward, and it did make a lot of sense at the time, but Prince seems to have worn himself out the past few years (extended playoff runs and the olympics) and more of a defensive role player than a high scoring superstar like Anthony (40 tonight in Detroit although in a losing cause.) And now he has a bad back. The beginning of the end. A career killer.

The Pistons aren't drawing fans and I have a theory for this. The continuing economic woes of Michigan is the main culprit but fans have a hard time following a team on the decline. In recent years the interest and intensity of fans for their Detroit teams has been strongest for the team on the rise; first the Red Wings, then the Pistons and then the Tigers. The Red Wings are a separate case because they have been so good, so long. And won champions four times across 12 seasons. The Tigers were so bad for so long, and then out of nowhere a World Series appearance and then an aggressive front office to get them back there. The Pistons meanwhile run on the fumes after the over-achieving mid 2000s team. And the much celebrated Joe Dumars may be over-rated. Who built a team that dominated (at times) for an impressive stretch (six straight conference championship appearances.) But now let's blow this up, bottom out and began another rise.

Tigers Trade Granderson

2009-12-09T20:15:00.000-08:00

This is why I hate major league baseball. But I suppose it's the same for all professional sports. It's as much about business as the games played. Look at the NBA. When they make a trade they don't really exchange players but dysfunctional contracts.

Yes, it's a ruthless business when you trade your most popular player to the league's most hated team. Where Curtis Granderson became a luxury the Tigers could not afford the New York Yankees see him as a low-cost solution to their need to get younger, have more speed and maintain their lefty power hitting.

In a parallel universe maybe Granderson finishes his career with the Tigers and adds his name to the greats who spent their whole careers with the team. Based on the outpouring of emotion that followed news of the trade, a lot of Tigers fans would have preferred that ending. Now Granderson gets to be a New York Yankee and spend at least the next three years chasing World Series Titles.

Mack Avenue Tigers said it best about the trade and Granderson, "...It's a bit like putting your girlfriend on a bus to Hollywood, as she leaves you to try to break it big in movies. I'm happy for him to get that opportunity, but ... he was ours, and kind of a big deal and important figure in the state of Michigan."

I live in New York City, and hate the Yankees, but to see and hear about them all the time you need to have a game within a game. Players you love to hate and players who though they may be Yankees are not so bad. It'll be nice to follow Granderson as he takes his place in the Bronx.

Wings New York City Road Trip

2009-12-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

I unfortunately missed the Wings road trip to New York this weekend. Two games in two nights is a rare occurrence in these parts and the Wings made the most of it. While they lost to the Devils in a shootout at the Prudential Center Saturday night they rebounded Sunday to beat the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. So three out of a possible four points culminating with a fine Jimmy Howard performance Sunday against the Rangers. Not a bad weekend.

It's been a tough road for the Wings since that horrible night in June when they dropped game 7 to the Pittsburgh Penguins. My heart and thoughts go out to fans of any team that makes it to a game 7 and doesn't close out the championship. You go all that way with your team only to watch another team take it all. For Detroit fans it turned out to be the second time in 4 years that not only did our teams lose a game 7 championship but came one game short of being back-to-back champions.

And things haven't improved for the Wings since then. They continue to get older and lost key players to free agency and started this season with a number of injuries to their top line forwards. Though it's still early, the Wings are on the playoff bubble at 9th place in the conference standings.

But hell it's only been five months since the Wings finished their Stanly Cup run. We still have a good 5 months before the 2009-10 season regular season is over. It's hard to get your head into hockey or basketball when football is still playing. I'll meet you there in February.

In better news, and hopefully given for what the Wings are instead of what they have been, Coach Mike Babcock and GM Ken Holland were named #1 respectively as coach and GM of the decade by the Yahoo Puck Daddy Blog.

Mike Babcock honors include his stint with Anaheim. I know there are rumblings that the players don't like Babcock but he has picked up where Scotty Bowman left off and is a more fiery presence than the docile Dave Lewis.

Kenny Holland proved that he could win both with money swinging big trades and in the salary cap era. His moves are further proof of my own hypothesis that often the best business and monetary decisions lead to the best results on the rink. Of course it was tough to lose Marian Hossa who the Wings might have kept had they had salary cap space. But the way Holland has drafted, and the way the organization takes the time to season the prospects in juniors and the minors before they join the team has meant the Wings have not lost a competitive step the whole decade.

Sometimes You Eat the Bar and Sometimes...

2009-12-06T20:48:00.000-08:00

Perhaps the gods sensed my sarcasm when I titled my picks post 'Lucky Week 13'. Because as it turned out I had no luck or maybe it's I got no skill. Because I'm licking my wounds after a disastrous Sunday. The secret to my fine record this season is consistency. Never doing great but slow steady results, In fact, this is only my second losing week of the season. But both have been epic. While not quite as bad as my 3 win week 8, this could turn out to be only one game better.

Analyze. Where did I go wrong? First of all I was an idiot to choose so many big favorites. Basically any team that was an 8.5 points or higher favorite did not cover and I picked all of them including the Bengals (won by 10, spread 13.5), the Bears (won by 8, spread 8.5), the Saints (won by 3, spread 8.5), the Steelers (lost by 3, spread 11.5) and the Chargers (won by 7, spread 12.5). Why I picked all the favorites with such high point spreads I'm still trying to figure out. But that's the killer right there. The difference between a good week and an epic fail.

Then I broke one of my golden rules: never bet against Indy. They easily covered 7 in beating the Titans. And then I took the Texans. Huh, did I really do that. They were done last week after blowing the lead to Indy.

Which leaves the rest of the games? The four I did win (Eagles, Broncos, Dolphins & Giants) and shoulder shrug losers Vikings to Cardinals, 49ers to Seahawks and Bucs to Panthers.

Better luck and more research next week.

Lucky Week 13

2009-12-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

This is the big week where I can cross the threshold of 100 games picked correctly and get closer to that magic .500% and over line of 128. However, I find myself down a game already because as per this season I was on the wrong end of picking the correct winner/line of the NY Jets game Thursday night. I thought the Bills would come through (after they let me down and beat the Dolphins this past Sunday) but the Jets were able to win the field goal contest (4-2) and grind out a 19-13 victory.

That's ok, I'll just have to think a little harder for my Sunday picks, which are:

Cincinnati Bengals (-13.5) vs. Detroit Lions - Quite the point spread against my beloved Lions but I know we're always capable of losing big. I think the Bengals are going to let Carson Palmer air it out even more than usual and should have a career day against the Lions secondary.

Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5) vs Atlanta Falcons - Back and forth on this game given the injuries to both teams. Impossible to predict how the Eagles will play from week to week. But they need to grind out a victory this week and Atlanta is without their starting quarterback and have a weak defense.

Chicago Bears (-8.5) vs St Louis Rams - I've been picking the Rams the last couple weeks to cover and it's never come through. And with the over-rated toothless Bears on their schedule you would think's it's the week for them to do it. But I think Jay Cutler takes out the frustration of the whole season on the Rams and wins this one pretty easily.

Tennessee Titans (+ 6.5) vs Indianapolis Colts - Finally going underdog with the Titans even if does violate my golden rule about never betting against Indy. Just want to keep the Titans winning streak alive and see Chris Johnson makes some spectacular runs.

Denver Broncos (-4.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs - Maybe in weeks past I'd go for the dog here, but Denver is a streaky team and they've had extra rest after their Thanksgiving night dismantling of the NY Giants.

New Orleans Saints (-8.5) vs Washington Redskins - Same deal here as for the dogs and the Redskins solid defense but the New Orleans appears to be on a mission this year and hopefully will be all business for this game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6.5) vs Carolina Panthers - One game I will not be watching. Carolina is tough to pick - for or against. But Tampa has been better in recent weeks in their covers and I expect them to come through against a divisional foe.

Houston Texans (+.5) vs Jacksonville Jaguars - What is up with these half point spreads. Just make them a pick em. Hope I get the Texans on a Sunday when they're on. (I now hypothesize that the half point spreads have something to do with the ESPN software not being able to handle straight up pick -em's)

Pittsburgh Steelers (-11.5) vs Oakland Raiders - Big point spread for a team like the Steelers but they seem angry and desperate. And the Raiders are terrible (even if they did come an endzone dropped pass from covering vs the Cowboys)

Miami Dolphins (+6.5) vs New England Patriots - Normally I'd pick the Patriots coming off a big loss to blow out their next opponent but they got beat so bad on Monday night might be tough for them to come back.

San Diego Chargers (-12.5) vs Cleveland Browns - Could be trouble with a west coast team flying east to play in the cold but the Chargers are lighting it up lately and I'll stay with the team on a good run.

San Francisco 49ers (+.5) vs Seattle Seahawks - San Fran may be a ready for a late season run and I can't help but continue to think the Seahawks suck.

NY Giants (+1.5) vs Dallas Cowboys - Another game I've been back and forth on but the NY Giants are at home on a long rest and absolutely need to win and the Cowboys and Tony Romo, with a chance to put the Giants away, will choose the hard way.

Minnesota Vikings (-3.5) vs Arizona Cardinals - This is point spread must be wrong. The Vikings are on a roll right now and can score points. Could be a shoot out but I see the Vikings getting timely stops and pressure and sacks on Kurt Warner.

Green Bay Packers (-3.5) vs Baltimore Ravens - Packers another team on a good run and need to win this game to control their fortunes for a playoff spot.

Last Week: 8-8
Season: 96-80

Oh Canada

2009-12-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

Great article in the NY Times this week about how the Canadian NHL teams are doing better financially than their U.S. counterparts with the narrowing of the exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. Dollar since 2002.

In fact, some of the most valuable franchises are those in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, which is to be expected. We're talking large global metropolises with plenty of hockey loving fans.

Of course you get into the article and the good news is tempered by the idiotic thoughts of Gary Bettman who talks of expansion. While putting franchises in Quebec City, Winnipeg and another Southern Ontario is a great idea, the league needs to contract, and give up this dream of spreading to the sun belt.

The NHL should go something like this:

Original Six
Boston Bruins
Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit Red Wings
Montreal Canadians
New York Rangers
Toronto Maple Leafs

Original Expansion
Buffalo Sabres
Pittsburgh Penguins
Minnesota Wild (formerly North Stars)
Philadelphia Flyers
St Louis Blues
LA Kings

Canadian Teams
Calgary Flames
Edmonton Oilers
Quebec City
Ottawa Senators
Toronto (2nd Team)
Winnipeg (maybe)
Vancouver Canucks

The Rest
Colorado Avalanche
Columbus Blue Jackets (pains me to keep this franchise but it does make some sense.)
Dallas Stars (We hang on to this Red State team by virtue of their Stanley Cup championship)
San Jose Sharks
Kansas City (NY Islanders should move there. Sorry NY fans but three hockey teams in one area is too many.)
Washington Capitals
NJ Devils
Carolina (move their asses back to Hartford)

Lose Nashville, Atlanta, Tampa Bay (deserve to find new home because 2003-04 Stanley Cap Champions), Miami, Anaheim (I guess they stay too with their Stanley Cup. Damn this is tough) and Phoenix. If the old folks down in Florida want to see some hockey, let's send them the Charleston Chiefs.
Do this and then you'd have something to work with. Of course this will never happen because all the money the owners paid out (and were paid) for these expansion teams and six less teams is 120 + less professional hockey players.

I called it May 8,2009 (4 months before the season started.)

2009-11-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

I clicked on my user name at the MLive form and found this gem from early May. If you can only be disappointed by high expectations, the Lions season is turning out pretty much as I expected.

I'll believe a Lions turnaround when I see some victories. Keep in mind that last year not only did we not win ONE game but we were completely non-competitive. The Lions have lost 23 of their last 24 games. We may have had a few close games but teams knew they could take a week off and still get a W. We are worse off than an expansion team with our culture of losing and acceptance of defeat and humiliation. Four wins would be a HUGE improvement. People who talk about 7 or 8 wins are kidding themselves.

Posted on Overhauled Lions give reason for some optimism on May 08, 2009, 11:15AM

No Joe Talk Lately

2009-11-30T06:24:00.000-08:00

It's now been a few months since there was talk of the future of Joe Louis Arena -- home of the Detroit Red Wings. The Illitch family had been leasing the arena from the city of Detroit for many years and elected not to renew that lease earlier this year. This has caused some to speculate that they plan to build a new arena or even move north to share the Palace with the Pistons. Even Scotty Bowman recently got in on the speculation while speaking on local radio musing out loud about a potential Red Wings move to the Palace in Auburn Hills.

As much as I like the Joe, and the memories Wings fans have there of four Stanley Cups since 1997, the place has a few problems, the biggest of which (in my opinion) is its impractical location on the river front. It makes a lot more sense to use the space where the Joe sits to expand Cobo Hall and move an arena closer to where the people and action is in Detroit. A recent article in the Free Press asked architects to propose designs for an expanded Cobo Hall and Center and what they came up with appears to infringe on the current footprint of Joe Louis. That has fueled other speculation that the Illitch's gave up their lease to give the city more options in the Cobo renovations.

And, believe it or not, 30 years is an old man for an NHL arena. Apparently when the new arena opens up in Pittsburgh, the Red Wings will have the oldest arena in the NHL. So they may be due for a new one. And a lot of cities are going multi-purpose with NHL and NBA teams sharing an arena (New York, Boston, Chicago). Basically bigger cities than Detroit.

So it would kind of suck for the Red Wings to move up to the Palace but if the end result was a new arena in downtown Detroit where both the Pistons and the Wings could play I'd be all for that. And when we build a new one let's build this sucker for the next 100 years. (Kind of like Olympia. The one where the Wings made their original Stanly Cup history before being torn down to make way for Joe Louis.)

Two Greatest Detroit Lions Moments of the 2000s

2009-11-25T19:02:00.001-08:00

It hasn't been all famine for the Lions this decade. After these two Lions victories, fans and pundits alike were asking themselves, "Could the Lions be for real?" Sadly, in both cases, the answer was no. Also interesting to contrast this with the Red Wings (2 Stanley Cups), Pistons (Championship, Games 7 Final) and the Tigers World Series Appearance during the same period.

October 24 2004 Detroit Lions 28 New York Giants 13
Perhaps the greatest game Joey Harrington ever had as a pro, the Lions came into the Meadowlands and put the hurt to the Giants. Harrington was super efficient completing 18 of 22 passes with 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions for a 141.8 passer rating. That win improved the Lions record to a respectable 4-2 and was their third consecutive road victory. They would finish the season 6-10.

November 4 2007 Detroit Lions 44 Denver Broncos 7
The Lions blow out the Denver Broncos at home and finish the first half of their season 6-2. Highlights of this game included an interception touchdown by Shaun Rogers. Since this victory, the Lions have won only three more games through parts of three seasons.

Week 12 NFL Picks

2009-11-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

It's Thanksgiving -- that time of the year where it really becomes embarrassing to be a Lions fan. Used to be in the glory days of Lions mediocrity that they would rise to the occasion on national television and play well on Thanksgiving. Now they are just awful all the time. I don't expect this year's game to be any different than last year's blow-out.

But, before more digressive Lions talk, my picks.

Packers (-10.5) vs. Lions - It's great that the Lions beat the Browns but they didn't cover the spread. The Lions defense is horrible and the Packers should score many points. And with the likelihood of no Stafford or Johnson, the Lions won't be able to keep up.

Raiders (+13.5) vs. Cowboys - I've done well this season betting against the Cowboys. Their relatively impressive record is obscured by the fact they have not covered even when they win, which I hope is this case on Thanksgiving.

Broncos (+6.5) vs. NY Giants - After needing OT to beat the Falcons, the Giants fly out west to play a mile high in Denver and are six and half point favorites. I don't think so.

Buccaneers (+11.5) vs Falcons - Same deal. Tampa showed signs of life before last week's blow out against the Saints. For a divisional game, too many points.

Dolphins (-3.5) vs Bills - Miami looks better without Ronnie Brown and if they want to make the playoffs they need to win this game.

Bengals (-13.5) vs. Browns - After the Bengals shit the bed in Oakland last week, I'll assume they'll want to put a big ass kicking to the sad sack Browns.

Rams (+2.5) vs Seahawks - The Rams seem to be improving (two consecutive covers at least) and the Seahawks are really bad. Marc Bulger is out for the Rams but I think this gives them a better chance to win.

Panthers (+3.5) vs Jets - Do I get Carolina and three and half points? This is awesome. I can't believe how Vegas completely over-rates the Jets.

Redskins (+9.5) vs Eagles - Intra-divisional game so this is quite the point spread. Redskins offense may suck but the defense keeps them in games.

Colts (-3.5) vs Texans - Maybe the Texans can win this game but you got to have rules. That means no betting against the Colts especially to a team as mediocre and over-rated as the Texans.

Chiefs (+13.5) vs Chargers - The Chargers are good but a little too many points for my blood. Maybe some letdown after the ass kicking they delivered to the Broncos.

Titans (-.5) vs Cardinals - Another one of these stupid 1/2 point spreads. I'm taking the Titans to the house, hoping they can win out the rest of their schedule.

Vikings (-10.5) vs Bears - This game should be a shoot out or a blow out. The Vikings are starting to pull away in the NFC North while the Bears are done.

Ravens (-2.5) vs Steelers - ~~Good Sunday night matchup. Hope QB Ben plays for the Steelers otherwise this game will be a lost cause.~~ Update: I changed this pick Saturday night. Ben will not play so the Ravens need to take this opportunity.

Patriots (+3.5) vs Saints - I love the Saints and they are my team but you need rules to live by and one of those is always take the Patriots and the points. I would love to see a close game where the Saints win but the Patriots cover.

Last Week: 8-8
Season: 88-72

The Lions 7 Keepers

2009-11-20T12:43:00.001-08:00

There was a recent article by ESPN's NFC North beat writer Kevin Seifert about the Detroit Lions and what players on their current roster are keepers. Not surprisingly, he could only come up with 7 players. They are (in no specific order) Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew, Matthew Stafford, Kevin Smith, DeAndre Levy, Louis Delmas and Jason Hanson. He then named another seven worth learning more about. That list included Derrick Williams, Gosder Cherilus, Jeff Backus, Steven Peterman, Aaron Brown, Cliff Avril and Sammie Lee Hill.

So as a Lions fan, I'm basically rooting for a handful of dudes who will be here three seasons from now. Seifert also mentioned some temporary holders for the next two years that could include Larry Foote, Julian Peterson and Philip Buchanan.

It was a tough read. The Lions just do not have that much talent. Even young talent. The good news is that they have quite a few players on this list of 14 from the three most recent drafts including all their #1's (CJ, Stafford, Pettigrew, and Cherilus) although Cherilus is on the worth learning more about list with lower round picks including (Delmas, Derrick Williams, Aaron Brown, Cliff Avril and Sammie Lee Hill.)

I am a bit confused about needing to learn more about Jeff Backus (nickname Turnstile.) This guy has been with the Lions since the start of their historically bad run and I suppose a plan is out there to draft a new left tackle and move Backus to left guard and see how he'll do there. Also, Domenic Raiola is not on the learn more about list and they locked up him up (like Stephen Peterman) to a long-term contract.

In fact the confusing thing about the O-line is how pathetic it can be at times but how they have long-term contracts for the LT, Center and RG and a #1 pick from 2007 with Gosder at RT. So in the near term to improve the line all they really can do is draft a new left tackle and hope those five (new guy, Backus, Raiola, Peterman, Cherilus) gel.

The Battle for #1

2009-11-20T11:34:00.001-08:00

I never thought I'd see the day where the Lions would be battling later in the season to be #1...or wait...this battle is for the #1 pick in the 2010 draft. Ok, that makes more sense. So the Lions can become repeat champions as far as being the worst team in the league and getting the #1 pick if they lose to the hapless Cleveland Browns.

This game promises to be painful to watch so I guess it's a good thing that not many people will be watching. (Including myself -- it would be too embarrassing to request this game at my local bar even though they are sympathetic to my plight as a Lions fan.)

Anyway, here are my picks for Sunday. (BTW picked Carolina to beat Miami. That didn't turn out so well.)

Detroit (-3.5) vs. Cleveland Browns - When you are facing a team that has lost 31 of their last 33 games and you are still the underdog, you know you suck Cleveland. Of course the Lions were favorites once before this season when they faced the win-less St. Louis Rams and the kittens lost that game. I have no reason other than false hope and the fact that everybody says the Browns are historically bad to believe the Lions can win and cover this spread. But if it wasn't for false hope with the Lions, I'd have no hope at all.

Green Bay (-6.5) vs. 49ers - After last week's thrashing of Dallas, the Packers may be ready for a late season run. The 49ers looked horrible against the Bears this past Thursday and it's getting to that point in the season where a mediocre team like the Niners fade.

Pittsburgh (-9.5) at KC Chiefs - This is a big point spread and you will notice in a bit that I'm going for the underdog on the big spreads, and KC actually has come through for me this season in terms of covering but got to go with the Steelers.

Washington Redskins (+11.5) at. Dallas Cowboys - Ok, here is where I start to step into the crazy zone. I'm sure after their embarrassment in Green Bay last week the Cowboys are going to want to put on a good show for the home crowd, and I know Tony Romo has some crazy record in November but this is a divisional game and I like the points here.

NY Giants (-6.5) at Atlanta Falcons - What is it with the point spreads and New York teams? There must be a lot of stupid degenerate gamblers who bet on these teams. I still hurt from picking the Jets last week with a similar point spread but the NY Giants know they have to win this game and the Falcons haven't looked so good (losing to Carolina last week.)

Buffalo Bills (+8.5) at Jacksonville - The Bills are going to win it for Johnny after their coach was fired on Tuesday. They tend to play well down south (or at least that's my foolish hope.)

Indianapolis (+.5) at Baltimore - What the hell is the point of a .5 point spread. So basically if the game were to end in a tie, you would win with the Colts. Let's just make it a pick em'. I love that line.

Tampa Bay (+11.5) vs New Orleans - New Orleans has not been covering lately and Tampa Bay has been playing well. Plus, New Orleans has New England on their schedule next week so doing that whole cliche, they'll be overlooking the Bucs'this week.

Seahawks (+11.5) at Vikings - Taking the points again, the Vikings seem to keep it close at home and they were downright sloppy against the Lions last week. Seattle is pretty pathetic though. I'm sure I'll be hating this pick around 2 pm on Sunday.

Rams (+8.5) vs Cardinals - The Cardinals are for real and will no doubt win their division. But after the Rams played New Orleans tough I feel they will do the same with the Cardinals. Who are up and down but have been playing consistently well. Probably be hating this pick too about 2 pm on Sunday.

Chargers (-2.5) vs Broncos - Time for the Chargers to avenge that loss to the Broncos earlier in the season.

Bengals (-9.5) vs Raiders - After taking the Bengals over the Steelers last week, there is no rational way I can't take the Bengals against the Raiders. Although that west coast trip does seem to mess with people. The Bengals offense would love to put up some points and this is the team to do it against.

Patriots (-10.5) vs. Jets - This is a steep point spread. I've been here before with the Patriots where they won by 10 and still didn't cover. But I will never bet the Jets again after last week's debacle.

Eagles (-3.5) at Bears - I don't know what to think about the Eagles. They're all over the place. But the Bears are about to pack it in for the season. Jay Cutler sucks. All hype and smoke and mirrors.

Titans (+4.5) vs. Texans - Gotta take the team that's on a three game win streak. I'll take Chris Johnson and the points any week.

Last Week: 9-6
Season: 80-64

What I Learned Today

2009-11-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

For the Lions, 16.5 points is just not enough. After watching the game, I'm amazed they came as close as they did. They continue to be pathetic in all facets of the game with the offense becoming more and more hapless each game and the defense constantly surrendering the big play. The offensive line was horrid. Our quarterback took a beating. On the other hand, the other bad teams perked up as the Redskins, Buccaneers, Chief and Rams all covered the spread and in the case of Chiefs (against Oakland - not a big deal) and Redskins (are the Bronco's done?) actually won their game.

My kicking myself pick of the week is undoubtedly taking the Jets against the Jaguars. As I wrote earlier, I am always on the wrong end of the Jets score. And I should have known they would not win today when the cover of the NY Post included a quote from their owner that said the Jets would make the playoffs this year. After today's loss that is not going to happen. They're done.

The team of the week is the Bengals. They have now beat both the Steelers and the Ravens twice this year and are atop that division at 7-2. Always nice to see a once sad sack franchise claw themselves from the bottom.

I went 3-1 in the 4 o'clock games to salvage the week. I should have known the Packers would play well -- their season would have spiraled out of control with another loss -- and the Cowboys were due to come back to Earth.

New England and Baltimore come through and I'm looking at 9-6.

UPDATE: Awesome ending for the the Colts/Patriots games. The best of all possible worlds. The Colts win and the Pats cover. And Bill Belichick makes one of the most bizarre coaching decisions of all time.

Week 10 NFL Picks

2009-11-15T09:19:00.001-08:00

Better late than never and better right than wrong. It's my week 10 NFL picks.

Before the games even start I'm up 1 for the week after picking San Francisco to beat the Bears. It was an ugly one but the 49ers (-3.5) just covered with a 10-6 victory.

Lions (+16.5) vs. Vikings - No chance the Lions win this one but 16 and half points is too good to pass up. When you are a Lions fan a cover is a victory.

New Orleans (-13.5) vs. Rams - Can't believe the Rams are getting less points than the Lions.

Dolphins (-9.5) vs. Tampa Bay - This is a lot of points for the Dolphins but it's always bad move to hope a pathetic team like the Bucs cover.

Jets (-6.5) vs. Jaguars - Jets have killed me this year. Always on the wrong end of the score with these guys. But going to keep on with the insanity.

Titans (-6.5) vs Bills - I did have a good run with the Bills but that is over. Even coming off that bye week, don't see it happening. Trent Edwards could potentially cause some problems with the Titans crap secondary. Risk I'm willing to take.

Bengals (+6.5) vs. Steelers - Taking the Bengals and the points here though I would feel better if I got the full touchdown. Statement game for the Bengals.

Broncos (-4.5) vs. Redskins - The Broncos get no respect so they better make it happen and big today.

Panthers (+1.5) vs. Falcons - One team on it's way up, the other one on their way down. Carolina plays tough in their division.

Chiefs (+1.5) vs. Raiders - Who knows. Who cares.

Chargers (-2.5) vs. Eagles - Another team (the Eagles_ where I am always on the wrong end of the score.

Arizona (-8.5) vs Seahawks - The Cardinals better show up to play. Seattle is such a beatable team.

Cowboys (-2.5) vs Packers - Are the Cowboys for real now? Packers have been playing horrible. Could be an upset. But probably not.

Patriots (+2.5) vs Colts - My rules include never bet against the Patriots or the Colts but do you do when they play each other? Take the team that is getting the points.

Ravens (-10.5) vs Browns - The Browns motto. "Hey at least we don't suck as bad the as the Lions." To which I would reply, "Yeah, how's that working out with Brady Quinn."

Halfway through the Season....This Won't Hurt a Bit

2009-11-11T11:48:00.000-08:00

Well, the Lions are halfway through their 2009 season and things are not looking good (which is about normal.) Their 1-7 record now means the Lions are 2-30 in their last 32 games. This is one of the most pathetic runs in NFL History.

At the start of the season I predicted four victories, which I thought was being conservative but of course the Lions could not even meet these lowered expectations. They even had a chance to pull a victory against the nearly as hapless St. Louis Rams but came up on the wrong end of a 4th quarter touchdown.

So even though there has been improvement, it's been extremely incremental and it's why I loved this passage from the NY Times 5th Down Blog.

The Lions, like the real estate market, are improving so slowly that it takes detailed analysis to measure their advances. Last year they allowed 8.8 yards per pass attempt; this year it’s down to 7.9. Opponents averaged 5.1 yards per rush, but the Lions have shaved that figure to 4.8. Their third down percentage has risen from 28.8 percent to 39.6 percent. Quoting these modest improvements is like cheering a 0.05 percent gain in housing values while upside-down on a half-million dollar townhouse mortgage, but Lions fans and Realtors know that bottoming out is more a process than an event. The Lions face the Vikings and host the Browns after they leave Seattle. They’ll go 1-2 over this stretch.

Things I learned Today

2009-11-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

1. Lions vs. Seahawks: A little less man love for Matthew Stafford after he screwed me on the spread with that last interception (his 5th of the day).
2. Falcons vs. Redskins: You can safely bet against the Washington Redskins all the time. They deserve to be grouped with those other one win teams. (Even though they have won 100% more games than they should have.)
3. Cardinals vs. Bears: The Chicago Bears defense is Detroit Lions bad. Can't stop anything.
4. Ravens vs. Bengals: The Ravens are the new Houston Texans. Never know what's going to happen with these guys.
5. Colts vs Texans: The Colts are conserving energy for a deep run. Just play good enough to win.
6. Patriots vs. Dolphins: The Patriots are money but a 10 1/2 point spread is a lot of points. They win by 10 and still don't cover the spread.
7. Chiefs vs. Jaguars: Jacksonville Jaguars are really bad. You can never go wrong betting against them. Even if you lose.
8. Titans vs. 49ers: The Titans are back and the 49ers and the Titans may end the season with the same record.
9. Saints vs. Panthers: The Saints can't blow out everybody. But they have beat everybody.
10. Giants vs. Chargers: The Giants and the Chargers are better than we thought they were. Or they just both looked good playing against each other.
11. Packers vs. Bucs: The Packers are now in an official tailspin. And there is not a win-less team anymore, just a bunch of teams with one win (Rams, Browns, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Lions.) The Lions will continue to be the only 0-16 team in NFL history. Thanks Green Bay.

Record so far 6-5.

Still up Eagles vs. Cowboys. I picked the Eagles but of course it'll be a Cowboys rout.

Steelers vs. Broncos. Steelers better come to play.

Hope to win one of these and come out of this weekend with a "winning" record.

Lions Game Day

2009-11-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful fall Sunday that will most likely be partially wasted watching the Detroit Lions be the living embodiment of futility and hopelessness.

Okay, maybe there is hope. Which is all you really get with the Lions having lost 29 of their last 31. Witnessing many of these games, I can tell you that they will most likely lose and do so in one of three ways.

1. The Blowout

This was the Lions specialty last year when they would quickly fall behind 21-0 early in the game (sometimes halfway through the 1st quarter) and then be on the receiving end of some ungodly score like 55-21. Blowout scores more likely to be seen in the college football. I witnesses one of these blowouts in person and the Lions were going through the motions. Like a bunch of Zombies. The Lions really haven't had a game quite this bad this year so I think they are due.

2. Keeping it sort of close

The Lions fall behind but keep it pretty close, maybe two scores or less. It sometimes appears like they'll get back in the game but it never quite happens. They just can't make that play. And then the other team, sick of letting them stick around, scores an easy touchdown on offense, or maybe the Lions make a boneheaded special tams miscue, or throw an interception. This is usually against a good team that doesn't want to tire themselves out playing the Lions.

3. The inability to close a game.

The Lions appear to be in the game the whole way. Maybe they even hold a lead for a time. But it gets later in the 4th quarter and the other team wakes up, realizes that they are losing to the Lions and decide they really need a score. At this time, the Lions defense feels no similar sense of urgency to make a stop and the winning touchdown is surrendered. And the Lions lose once again.

My prediction today for the Seahawks? Obviously I'm hoping for a win but most likely it'll be a #2. I might even be a happy with a #3 performance. But my fear is we haven't had a #1 blow out in a while and we're due.

Week 9 NFL Picks

2009-11-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

So I put the disaster of last week behind me, sucked it up and promised to make better picks this week. (And hopefully the teams that I do pick will also play better this week.)

Detroit Lions (+10.5) vs Seattle Seahawks - The Lions as usual a big underdog on the road. To be expected of a team that hasn't won anywhere in more than 2 years but I think this one may be close. Because with the Lions they either get blown out or lose in the 4th quarter. I think this game will be the latter. Don't know why. No valid reasons. Seattle is so up and down not really sure what it is going on with them.

Arizona Cardinals (+3.5) vs Chicago Bears - Even though I am still hurting from the hurt Carolina put on the Cardinals last Sunday I think they'll right things in Chicago. Plus Chicago is over rated and Jay Cutler has been a turnover machine.

Atlanta Falcons (-10.5) vs Washington Redskins - My hope with this game is Atlanta is mad after two straight losses and it will take it on the lowly Redskins.

Baltimore Ravens (-2.5) vs Cincinnati Bengals - Getting scared now that I've taken three road teams to win or cover. But it's payback time for the Ravens. And even though it did not work out for me at all last week, picking the team that lost in the earlier division games is still my strategy.

Houston Texans (+9.5) vs. Indy Colts - Now getting real crazy. I had the Texans getting upset by the Bills last week and got killed. Anytime I pick the Texans they either lose or don't cover. Going to give them one more chance.

New England (-10.5) vs. Miami Dolphins - Going to ride the Patriots to another/win cover. This one is high. But the Patriots do like to run up the score.

Green Bay Packers (-10.5) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Speaking of which, the Packers like to run up the score and play well against the weak teams. And Tampa Bay is the weakest of them all.

Kansas City Chiefs (+6.5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars - I know Kansas City is bad but didn't the Jaguars get blow out by the previously winless Titans last week. This is my upset pick I suppose.

Carolina Panthers (+14.5) vs. New Orleans Saints - This spread is insane. Divisional opponents. Hopefully the Panthers don't pass. And the Saint make mistakes and think 2 touchdowns is enough of a margin of victory.

San Diego Chargers (+4.5) vs. New York Giants - Oh how gamblers have been burned by the Giants this year. Please Phil Rivers west coast represent.

San Francisco (-4.5) vs. Tennessee Titans - The 49ers almost upset Indy on the road and then get this insulting spread for a home game with the one win Titans. Taking the Niners on principle alone.

Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) vs. Dallas Cowboys - Been doing well (for the most part) betting against Dallas this year. But they look much better now. Eagles need to win to get that stranglehold on their division.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) vs. Denver Broncos - Steelers are good but they do get lucky. The Broncos are good but not 7-1 good. More like 6-2 good.

Last Week: 3-10
Season: 64-52

So that happened.

2009-11-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

Of course. I jinx it. This was the weekend I needed to pull a George Costanza. Do my homework, make my picks and then choose the opposing team. Because the funny thing is I might even make the same picks over again. I still don't know where I went wrong. The only one that still grates on me is picking the Jets over the Dolphins. I hate the Jets. And I like the Dolphins. And the Jets have now lost both their games to Miami this season. So I don't think Rex Ryan is going to be talking Super Bowl again anytime soon. I hope the NY writers turn up the temperature on this guy. And the other New York football team did even worse getting blow out by their Philadelphia rivals. The Eagles own the the Giants who are now obviously just not a good team. And It looks as though Dallas might be the team to win that division.

Of course the most painful games was the Detroit Lions. Anytime you feel you've bottomed out with the Lions something even more horrendous happens. If the Lions were going to win 4 games this year they needed to beat the win-less and hapless St. Louis Rams today. Now four wins is wishful thinking. In typical Lions fashion when the defense actually played good enough to win the game the offense couldn't do anything but commit penalties, drop passes and kill drives. And then we basically lose the game on a fake field goal for chrissakes. A 54 yarder that even the Rams knew they could never make. Of course nobody thought to cover the guy heading towards the end zone.

I want to believe the Lions will get better. That their rookie quarterback is the guy, that their new coach is as smart as he seems and that they can start to win games they need to win. But in what had been called a "statement" game the Lions came up short. They looked bad and at times were unwatchable. The quarterback made bad throws and the coach was out coached. Just not a lot of hope right now. But much like I need to forget about my 3-9 weekend (please New Orleans come through for me tomorrow) the Lions need to forget about this one. It's possible we can beat the Seahawks next week.

Week 8 NFL Picks

2009-10-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm 61-42 this year in picking games. I'm on fire. Better than all the dudes at the New York Post so far this season. And in the pigskin pick em pool on ESPN I'm in the 95% percentile. I have to tell you I've never been in the 95% percentile for anything in my life.

So probably going to jinx this week by writing out my picks and providing reasoning but here it goes.

Detroit Lions (-3.5) vs St Louis Rams - Picking the Lions even though I've done well betting against them this year. (I thought they would cover the Vikings and not cover the Steelers. Lost those two.) I heard Tom Kowalski of Booth Newspapers say on the radio that the line on this game opened at 9.5. That is crazy and I think bad information. You just can't trust journalists anymore. Especially once they have a blog. Even 3.5 points is a lot but I want and need the Lions to win big. Breakout performance by Matthew Stafford. Forward down the field. Touchdowns. Lions Victory!

Buffalo Bills (+3.5) vs Houston Texans - If there is one team I can not figure out it's the Houston Texans. They won last week but didn't cover despite being up 21-0 at the half. The Bills have been coming through for me although they do not look pretty. That game with Carolina was ugly. God Carolina sucks. Just a lot of bad football. This is the only game this weekend where the home team is an underdog. I hope the weather is bad. Gonna riding the bison for one more weekend. And the Texans are a lose one win one team so if that streak continues they lose here.

Chicago Bears (-13.5) vs. Cleveland Browns - The spread is large but if I've learned one thing this season, no matter how large the spread, never bet on a crappy team to cover. It rarely happens. (Of course, when it does, so so satisfying.) I just hope Jay Cutler will continue to prove his fraudulence as a NFL quarterback the following week.

Dallas Cowboys (-9.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks - I had the Boys losing to Atlanta last week but for the first time this season they actually looked good. Seattle may be a really bad team.

Indianapolis Colts (-12.5) vs San Francisco 49ers - One of my rules is never bet against the Patroits even if the other team is getting 50 points (which they would have covered 2 weeks ago against the Titans.) This goes double for the Colts especially this season. Especially at home. 49ers do have a tough physical defense so this could be a lower scoring affair.

New York Jets (-3.5) vs. Miami Dolphins - This is a toughie. I want to pick Miami but these teams already played this season and I don't think Miami is good enough to take both games. There is no way Chad Henne plays as well as he did in the previous game. But the Jets did lose to the Bills at home two weeks ago. And I've been doing well betting against the Jets though one of my more misguided picks of the season was thinking the Jets would beat the Saints in New Orleans. For this game and my strategy for this week, pick the team that lost the earlier meeting.

Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) vs. Denver Broncos - Baltimore is due for a win (lost three straight) and Denver is about ready for a loss (6-0).

New York Giants (+2.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles - Giants you screwed me last week. Fool me once...Fool me twice and I won't get fooled again.

Jacksonville Jaguars (+2.5) vs. Tennessee Titans - I don't know and I don't care. But I do have to pick one of the teams. It'll be interesting to see how Vince Young does as a starter.

San Diego Chargers (-16.5) vs. Oakland Raiders - This spread is horrific and I'm always on the wrong end of these Raiders point spreads. (How do they beat the Eagles and then get blow out by the Jets.) And San Diego killed me last week with their blow out of the Chiefs. I could go either way here. The Chargers did win the first meeting so my strategy was to pick the team that lost the earlier meeting. But rules are made to be broken.

Green Bay Packers (-3.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings - The biggest game of all times featuring the homecoming of prodigal son Brett Farve, the gun-slinger to Lambeau Field. Packers lost in Minnesota earlier this year so the rule is the Vikings don't beat the Packers twice . Of course Farve could turn in one of his legendary performances on the not quite cold enough to be frozen yet tundra. Green Bay needs to beat him for their fans (and their GM.) I did well betting against the Viking last week. Though the Minny D did look tough as the Steelers got two defensive touchdowns. Still...going with the Packers...

Arizona Cardinals (-9.5) vs. Carolina Panthers - The Cardinals appear to be back to their Super Bowl losing form and Carolina is just pathetic. This is a lock. But of course the Cardinals will come out and play like shit.

New Orleans Saints (-9.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons - Never bet against the Patriots, the Colts and maybe you can add the Saints here. Large spread but we've seen how New Orleans can put up 40+ on anybody. So that means the Falcons have to score 30+ on an under-rated Saints defense. I'm on the Saints bandwagon until the wheels fall off.

I picked three underdogs this week (NY Giants, Buffalo and Jacksonville.) And Jacksonville is getting points against an 0-6 team. That has to piss them off.

Still Looking Good for those 4 Victories

2009-10-29T22:40:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody. Or the one person that follows this blog according to my blogger dashboard. The last time I checked in with you (all?) I said the Lions would win 4 games. With all the defensive pickups I said show me the money before any bold predictions of 8 wins. (I'm sort of glad Mlive ruined their comments threads by making them 10 per page. I waste a lot less time with the delusional and the misinformed.) And I'm won't gloat and say I told you so because I wish nothing more than a return to mediocrity for the Lions. But maybe next year. Or next decade. Which at this point is kind of the same thing.

In the meanwhile, the Lions come off their bye week with a 1-5 record. And that's progress. Best of all we face the St. Louis Rams who are shaping up to take the Lions crown as one of the most futile football teams of the modern era. The last time the Rams won Dubya was president and Obama had not yet won the election. What can you say. Hopeless cities. Hopeless football.

But there is hope for the Lions. Right now one of the biggest concerns in my life is the status of Matthew Stafford's knee. What can I say, I like this kid and he is far superior than Daunte Culpepper. Remember when that was a controversey? Yes the salad days of early September. I was lucky enough to attend the Lions/Bears game at Soldier Field earlier this month and that was a great first half he put together. When he hobbled to the sidelines with the knee injury I couldn't help but think of course. Just as he was about to have his break out game. That is so Lions. Finally a glimmer than just a gigantic punch to the gut.

But the rest of the team still sucks. Our pass defense is historically bad, breaking records year after year for futility. All I can say is we must not only beat the Rams but blow them out. Let's get up two touchdowns early and then put our boots on their throat. Even if we win this game but it goes down to the last play like the Redskins's game. that will be disappointing. I'm looking for a breakout game. In other words, I'm looking for disappointment.

In better news, I'm doing a pigskin pick em on ESPN and have a 61-42 record against the spread through 7 weeks. This is somewhat impressive but picking the games is a pretty easy this year. Just pick the favorites to cover. No matter how many points the other teams is getting. Always bet the Patriots. (though they didn't cover at Denver.) And against Carolina if they are 9.5 point favorites. They are godawful And the Saints are my team this year. That comeback last week against Miami made them very popular in Vegas.

Lions Win Total Prediction - 4 Wins!!!

2009-09-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

This is a really stupid exercise that before the start of every new season people want to predict how many games the Lions might win. There are many unknowns with this team that makes it difficult.

Some people are wildly optimistic, thinking with all the new blood they will win as many as 8 or nine games. I am not in this camp. I don't know how you could think such thoughts after last year's disaster. Their arguments run along the lines that the Lions defense is all-new (only two starters remain) so they will be a lot better. But how can we know if these guys are any better? You need to show me. An that can't happen until we play some real ball this Sunday.

I'm in the 'show me the money' camp. Our defense was awful last year and even though much of it has been replaced, I'm not too sure these guys are going to completely turn it around so quickly.

Lions Week 1: The New Orleans Saints

2009-09-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a long long time coming. This football off-season took many years or at least it felt like it. I guess that's what happens when your team becomes the first to go winless for sixteen weeks. (The losing streak is now at 17 games.)

And just what happened during the off-season, not a whole lot. Just a new general manager, a new head coach, a new rookie quarterback and 32 new players on the roster not even to mention a new logo.

Even after all that, the Lions still should be pretty bad. This season will actually be considered successful if the Lions win four or five games and just show improvement and some way out of their horrible condition.

The NFL did them no favors with their schedule. And first up is the New Orleans Saints, the #1 passing offense against the absolute worst pass defense. This will be trouble.

I just hope for something competitive and something watchable, which is asking a lot when it comes to the Detroit Lions.

My prediction, no clue: New Orleans 38, Lions 24.

Looks Like They'll Make It (After All)

2009-09-10T05:30:00.001-07:00

The Tigers are looking strong as they finish up the last month of the EXTREMELY long baseball season. I must admit, I didn't think they would pull it out. This team is pretty flawed. (Spotty hitting and nail biting relief pitching, among them.) But so are the other teams in their division. Although the Twins are still down there at 5 and half games out. We've got our magic number. 19. Like Steve Yzerman. Go Tigers.

Tigers Still #1 (in the AL Central)

2009-07-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

(NOTE: It's now August 19th and I need to update my blog but as long as the Tigers continue to be in first place in the Central division the headline is still relevant.)

I'm like that book from a while back, the Underminer, the best friend who casually destroys your life.

And that life is the Detroit Tigers. (Not that anybody on their team or fans care what I think.) I fully expected them to fold their tents for the year and give the White Sox first place after their series this past weekend. While the Tiger hitters seemed to see my way of things, the pitchers kept them in the game and they did get some timely hits. So we will have to wait a bit longer for them to have that big season blow out, so I can say I told you so.

It's pretty bad the Tigers don't have a decent corner outfielder after dumping Gary Sheffeld and still paying him $15 million dollars to go away. And that makes it unlikely they will make the trade necessary at the deadline to stay in the pennant race.

Summertime Sports Blues

2009-07-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Summer. Where the living is good and the sports are boring.

I'm just not that into the Detroit Tigers even though they are in first place after the all-star break. I'll be the last one on this bandwagon and I fully expect them to have some sort of collapse come August or early September. Although the other teams in the Central division are so atrocious that they just might hang on. And if they do, we can look forward to the top team in baseball (the Red Sox, the Yankess, the Devil Rays?) beating our brains in a five game series and then we'll be done. I know I'm fixated on the destination more than the journey, but I am a crotchety when it comes to baseball and the Tigers. How I loved it when I was a kid and now the old stadium finally torn down this year and all my baseball cards somewhere in the parent's attic and just this nostalgia that will not be satiated by the current MLB product.

Then there's the Pistons, who are a little hard to figure out. We cleared all that cap space and let our veterans move on to sign Ben Gordon and Charles Villanueva? Then word gets out that the cap number for 2010 will be around $52 million which means we have $27 million tied up in 2 shooting guards (Rip + Ben) and an undersized big man (Villa). Given that this cap space was the reason for blowing the team up mid-season last year, the reality did not live up to this fan's expectations. The NBA should be more exciting next year for a few of the top teams that added talent but the Pistons will not be one of these teams but a work in progress. They may make the playoffs only because they just have a lot of bad pro basketball teams in the NBA Eastern Conference.

And can't help myself but looking forward to the Lions breaking camp later this month. Will the Lion's start a rookie quarterback? Will their defense be able to stop anybody? It will be exciting to win a game or two this year.

Shooing Away the Cobwebs

2009-06-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

With an unfortunate lull in the sports world - when my mind is forced to turn to tennis and international soccer tournaments to get me through the summer - I thought it might be a good time to do state of my thinking assessment of the Wings, Pistons, Tigers and Lions.

We'll start with the Pistons who fired their coach today. This was a necessary move as I was never going to take the Pistons seriously with Michael Curry as their coach. I'll admit much of my information on his ineptitude was second hand but it was pretty damning and the Pistons tumbled pretty far after making it to the conference championship six years in a row. I'm not sure if there is a plan in place with the Pistons - they seem be doing a lot of things as it comes, but a new coach, draft picks and some free agents should re-ignite some excitement. But still I would prefer to blow it up and start over, now that may happen anyway.

The Red Wings, after their heartbreaking game 7 loss, are in good shape. The only issues are will they have enough money to sign Marian Hossa or not and if they do who will they need to get rid of. Really, the most interesting thing about the Red Wings is they just opted out of their lease on Joe Louis Arena and could be playing in a new arena or the Palace in the next few years.

The Tigers are on a roll. Too bad I can't stand baseball. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. I was such a baseball fan back in the day. But I'll get on this bandwagon soon enough, as it appears the tigers are for real with the season half over and they are still in first place.

Lastly, the Lions. Things are going to better this year, of course not saying much. I love the summer but can't wait to get to the fall and the football season. Get my bets on again.

Tonight They Play for Everything!

2009-06-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

So it all comes down to game 7 for the Red Wings and though this will be a big one, I'm already starting to feel the long summer before football season starts. Because baseball hasn't done it for me since I graduated little league. I will admit that baseball does get good when the playoffs start, but by then we already have football back on the field so it doesn't deliver for those long summer months. This must be why summer reading is a big deal.

I am pretty much a homer so even though I may love the team (the Red Wings) i do hate the league. The NHL is run by a moron and it's just been a series of bad decisions for the last 15 years or so. I've written about this before but because the Wings are in the Western Conference and the NHL's scheduling is so messed up they play in the New York area once a year even though there are three teams here, it makes no sense. And last I checked Detroit was in the Eastern time zone. And it just goes on from there. Like this franchise the league wants to keep in Phoenix instead of moving to Canada where people are ready to love the team even though the bankruptcy proceedings have made public that the team has lost $300 millon in their few miserable years in the desert.

Anyway, I digress. The game 7 tonight will be a tense one and I'm feeling a bit strange being so confident that the Wings will prevail. They have two huge things on their side: the way they have dominated at home this playoffs, losing only one game and history. A home team has not last a Game 7 since something like 1971 and that was the Canadians beating the Black Hawks. The most successful and legendary franchise in NHL history beating the most unsuccessful and unlegendary franchise. But when it all comes down to one game, it all comes down to one game. Anything can happen.

So whatever happens, happens. Of course I will be ecstatic with a victory. Let's parade the Stanley Cup around the ice (which, by the way, I just found it yesterday was a tradition created by former Red Wings #7 Ted Lindsay.) Then have a real parade through the streets of Detroit. Can't wait to watch the live webstream of that moment.

And then it's the long hot summer. I guess it will be spent jonesy and hoarding any bit of information I can get about the pathetic Lions.

And then maybe the Pistons will do something to create excitement. Because after last season, and what they will be losing in terms of Rasheed and Iverson (good riddens) being free agents and gone, and how there young players took a step back this past season, and how I am not sold on the new coach, the lights could be dim there for a while. And this NBA playoffs, it hasn't done much, the Lakers not really playing well, and yet winning, and tragic the Magic - that series is over.

A rambling Friday...Tonight will be awesome....the Lord Stanley stays in Detroit!

Wings go for 12

2009-05-31T09:13:00.001-07:00

Ok, time to do a stanley cup finals preview, especially after the wings took game one from the penguins and miss cindy last night. I'll fully admit I was a bit concerned going into this game. The wings have injuries and the short rest and the three games in four days that raised the possibility of things getting out of hand in a hurry. And I'll also admit the victory was pretty ugly, a couple of strange bounces led to Wings goals and the insurance goal came from our fourth line guy who scored his first NHL goal an awesome play where he grabbed his own rebound and sent it flying past the Pen goalie Flurry. It was a gritty win. I love what a gritty team the Wings have become. And winning game 1 is huge. As I learned last night, 78% of the teams that win game one go on to win the Finals...Not much of a preview but there it is.

My Obsessive Lions Thoughts Part 1

2009-05-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

I have this awful habit of obsessively reading the comments on the Mlive Lions stories. There lives an opinionated and misguided bunch of Lions fans who are severely damaged by following such a lousy team. This is my response to a lot of what they've written about the Lions recent new general manager and head coach and the draft and everything else.

Let's start with the fired Matt Millen. Even back in 2001, William Clay Ford Sr. was at the back end of the days in pro sports when the charming but over-matched ex-jock is put in charge. While teams like the Oakland A's and Boston Red Sox in baseball were hiring super smart people to create new systems and statistical models to sees things objectively and win with less or spend a lot smarter, the Lions left it up to the wisdom of Millen's mustache and gut. Millen lurched from one cascading poor decision to the next, making mistakes from the get go like firing the experienced coach he inherited and then hiring the first hugeley under-qualified coach he interviewed. He never really ever put a plan or system into place, drafted horrifically and then insisted that his coaches play those players (most famously QB Joey Harrington). After the disaster of the west coast system, they brought in the tampa two but both these systems - practiced by the respective coaches in their purest form were already passe in NFL circles. Needless to say, after Millen was fired, and the team went 0-16, we have hit a monumentally low point. Maybe the lowest point ever.

Of course they should blow it up, fire everybody, yada yada yada. But the Lions kept the promotions in-house and so far I have to say Martin Mayhew, Millen's GM replacement, is doing a good job. First this guy does not appear to have the ego of a Matt Millen. He is not putting this thing on him. He is instilling a system and a philosophy and understands this is going to be a long term rebuild. He has already swung three pretty good trades (which are rare in the NFL) kick starting the rebuilding process with a 1st and 3rd round pick from the Cowboys for Roy Williams, shipping off had it with Motown QB Jon Kitna for secondary help and trading under-performing and overpaid Cory Reding for a much needed all pro linebacker (and former Spartan!) Julian Peterson. I get the feeling that if he makes a decision or is wrong about the player, he will cut his losses and move on. I don't think Millen had this in him.

His coaching hire was top notch and not many fans have complained about Jim Schwartz. He has a bit of a southern everyman charm but I think this guy will always be thinking 3 or 4 steps ahead. Perhaps the most controversial decision was drafting Matthew Stafford #1, the potential franchise QB out of Georgia. To say Lions fans were not happy would be a bit of understatement. We've seen this movie before. (Great, we go from Joey to Matthew) But given that we are starting fresh with a new head coach and offensive coordinator, we can now build our team and system around a guy who did pretty well as a SEC quarterback. I think this has a good chance of working out. Not sure why everybody wants to call him a bust before he starts his first training camp.

We have to draft defense! That's what the angry masses post. And this is true, our defense was monumentally and historically bad last year. We started the season with three straight games of being down 21-0. In the last two years, we've given up 50 points on multiple occasions. That's Oklahoma vs. Slippery Rock stuff. So we are looking at a long term rebuild. It's like a horrible financial position, we need to let this unwind before rebuilding. We need veterans (which they have signed) to fill the immediate holes and we need to have our new coaching staff figure out if some of these young guys who did not play so well did so because they suck or poor coaching.

Rebuild the O-line I was a bit confused by the Lions 2nd selection when it happened. A tight end? I know that position has been a disastor forever for the Lions, but we have such larger needs. But we did get a "stud" here and when you think about it a tight end is an offensive lineman/receiver hybrid. So this guy can help out the line and also help out our new quarterback. Our offensive line - like our defense - is a long term rebuild. I watched some lowlights of the Lions on the NFL network and it was amazing how out of position our offensive line was to make plays. I know we know what we have with Jeff Backus and Domenic Raoila - they will need to be upgraded in the future - but for now they will have to do. Hopefully our first rounder from last year Gosder will put it together and Daniel Loper, the free agent from the Titans who followed Coach Schwartz here, will contribute in a big way. All we got was projects on the offensive line, so that's what it will be, a huge project.

Drafting Another Safety in the Second Round This was the third out the last four years in the draft that the Lions drafted a safety. We already spent high picks on a safety, why do it again? Although, again, the Lions have a lot of needs I like they are building on a strength here. The Lions drafted two young safeties who appear to be working out and now we have third. Let's build on a relative position of strength. Plus, we got the top safety in the draft and one pick after ours New England took a safety. Maybe we do know something now.

The Red Wings Flag Flies in the Desert

2009-05-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

This is why hockey won't work in Phoenix, or Southern California or most points South. Because anybody who is a hockey fan and lives in Phoenix, most likely grew up somewhere else and likes the team he followed as a kid. And chances are if they did grow up in Arizona, they are not hockey fans and are not likely to follow a perennial loser like the Coyotes.

Gretzky lives in the swank Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale. A sports bar not far from his house flies several sports flags from its awning.

But the Phoenix Coyotes flag is nowhere to be seen. In its place ruffles the flag of the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.

Nobody's Taking that Stanley Cup from the Red Wings

2009-05-18T17:06:00.001-07:00

It just feels damn good to be a Red Wings fan right now. The team is playing well and finding ways to win and getting goals from their role players. The Stanley Cup is still out there a ways in the distance but it's becoming clearer, just seven wins to keep that thing in Detroit for another season. Two consecutive decades where we've won the cup back to back. That just rocks.

This playoffs has seen the next generation of Wings players assert themselves. Hard to believe, Kirk Maltby and Chris Chelios are healthy scratches (maybe not so much for Capitain America, the dude is just old) and Kris Draper needs to be put out to pasture. Sorry, Drapes. But that is the truth. ("You see this quarter, it used to be a nickel.") They've got all these young dudes who fly. All with much more complex and foreign names to learn and pronounce (ok, Cleary and Franzen not so hard) but as long as they wear the wing wheeled of the Red Wings, it's all good.

Even though the NHL is run by a bunch of dudes who could not sell water in the desert (or at least hockey), they got themselves lucky with the original six match-up this round, the Red Wings vs. the Blackhawks. The seasoned veterans vs. the young kids from Chicago. This is storied, I heard this it was the 704th game the teams played on Sunday. A re-match of New Year's Day Winter Classic.

No predictions from me, except that the Red Wings will win. I'm pretty sure the Blackhawks are pretty happy they got as far as they have. They were not even in the playoffs for the past few seasons (maybe longer - too lazy to do research) And I don't know how you can possibly predict how many games a hockey series will go. I just hope the Red Wings don't make it close, give em' any hope.

Acceptance...It's Going to be a Long Road to Mediocrity

2009-05-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

I took a look back at the Lions schedule and realized I witnessed their last win (at home vs. Kansas City December 23, 2007 - a real uninspiring victory) and their last win on the road (against the Bears at Soldier Field on October 28, 2007.)

That's right. It is very possible, and probable, that the Lions could go two years without a victory on the road. Which, by the way, is not even close to their record. Remember they went 2001, 2002 and 2003 without wins on the road. Three seasons!

Before they lost seven of their last eight in 2007, the Lions actually won two road games. Which, if you are aware of the recent history of the Lions, is a monumental achievement. Let's take a spin in the recent way back machine.

2008 - Didn't win nothing nowhere.
2007 - 7 wins two on the road (Oakland, Chicago)
2006 - 3 Wins for the season and somehow beat Dallas on the Road
2005 - 5 wins and two road victories at Cleveland and New Orleans
2004 - 6 Wins. A Golden age for the 00s Lions on the road with wins at Chicago, Atlanta and NY Giants.
2003 - 5 wins. Lost all 8 road games
2002 - 3 Wins. Lost all 8 Road Games
2001- 2 wins. Lost all 8 Road Games.

So our road record for the past 8 seasons is 8-56. That makes the 31-97 overall record over that same span look downright respectable.

Unfortunately I have become addicted to the Mlive Lions forum and it is insane how some of these people think the Lions are going to win 6 or 8 games. Make the playoffs, etc,

Think about this. We average less than four wins per season and one win on the road in the last eight years. I know past failures don't necessarily mean we can possibly suck this bad in the future...but let's get real...we got to crawl before we can walk.

We no doubt will be improved with competent coaching and new players but we have a long ways to go. To paraphrase former Lions coach Marty Morningwhig (5-27 record over the 2001-2002 seasons) the bar is low. Let's take the wind.

Four wins would be incredible. Seriously. Expectations could not be lower.

Wings was Robbed

2009-05-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

"If it ain't rough, it ain't right."

That's what the Pistons used to say but now it's happening to the Red Wings. (BTW look at Chauncey Billips and the Nuggets making it look easy against the Mavs in the NBA playoffs.)

Last night the Wings lost game three to the Ducks and find themselves down 2 games to one. The Ducks took back the home ice "advantage" after a late Wings goal was disallowed when the referee lost sight of a clearly loose puck. So not only did the Wings lose, but they lost in a pretty demoralizing way. If that goal had been properly allowed, we'd be looking at overtime (again) and the Wings with the momentum.

To be honest, and this might be blasphemous, but this is shaping up to be a exciting series. I am looking forward to the Wings battling back and winning this thing. As nice as it was to win the Stanley Cup last year, no team ever gave them a good fight. There was only a spell in the first series with the Nashville Predators where a team threatened to take control of a series. After they put out that fire they rolled onto victory.

Since the game last night was on the west coast and started late, I fell asleep way before the ending, so I did not have that full emotional investment in the last minute debacle. But I think this will give the Wings "us against the world" attitude they will need to win this series and continue on to the Stanley Cup.

Of course all that being said, the Wings absolutely need to win this next game. It's a must win. We can't be going down 3-1. That would be really bad. But this next game will be huge and I can't wait to see how the Wings respond and win this game.

2008 Lions Calender Update

2009-05-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

This is a repost. As a gift for Christmas 2007, I received a 2008 Lions Calendar. Thankfully this past Christmas I was spared that gift. Let's take a look at who was "featured" and where they are now.

Lions 2008 Calendar Update:

January - ~~Jon "10 Win" Kitna~~ Traded to Dallas March 2009
February - ~~Kenoy Kennedy~~ Released March 2008
March - Jeff "False Start" Backus
April - ~~Boss Bailey~~ Not re-signed. Signed by Denver Broncos March 2008.
May - ~~Mike "Call Me' Furrey~~ Released February 2009
June - Ernie "You See, the Lions Can't Mess Up All Their First Round Draft Picks" Sims
July - ~~Dan "Are You Sure He's on the Team" Campbell~~ Released February 2009
August - ~~Cory "Better Step Up This Year" Redding~~ Traded to Seattle March 2009
September - ~~Kalimba Edwards~~ Released March 2008
October - ~~Kevin Jones~~ Released March 2008
November - ~~Fernando Bryant~~ Released February 2008
December - ~~Roy "Not Here Much Longer" Williams~~ Traded to Dallas October 2008

Lions Let Their Dead Wood Float Away

2009-05-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how the Detroit Lions new free agent signings and draft picks will turn out but I do like who they are getting rid of.

The latest was Brian Calhoun, a third round draft pick in 2006. As Al pointed at the Wayne Fontes Experience, Calhoun who always seemed to be injured, finishes his 3 year career with the Lions with a grand total of 99 yards from scrimmage. He was more successful as a kick returner, with 221 yards in returns. Talk about Another One Bites the Dust. This leaves only Ernie Sims and Daniel Bullocks from the 2006 draft, though both are starters making it one of the most successful drafts in recent Lions history.

This comes after the release of 2008 free agent signing disasters CB Travis Fisher and TE Michael Gaines, who were let go after they began participation in off season workouts. Sorry guys.

And then there was the big purge on the first day the Lions could get rid of players, done went CB Leigh Bodden, TE Dan Campbell, T Jon Dunn, WR Mike Furrey, G Edwin Mulitalo, S Dwight Smith and LB Anthony Cannon. MLB Paris Lenon, DT Shaun Cody,RB Rudi Johnson, QB Dan Orlovsky and WR Shaun McDonald were not resigned. In better news, Jon Kitna was traded to Dallas and Cory Redding to Seattle for actual football players.

The way it looks now, the Lions will have at least six new starters on defense this season, (Free Safety, 2 Cornerbacks, Middle Linebacker, Strong Side Linebacker, Defensive Tackle) with the potential for more.

Also interesting was the signing of WR Steve Sanders on January 5th. It turned out after the Lions acquired free agent wide receivers Bryant Johnson and Ronald Curry and drafted Derrick Williams, he was no longer needed. He was released on May 4th.

Even More Reasons to Hate the Bears

2009-04-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

The Jay Cutler sweepstakes turned on the Leos in a huge way. I agree that the price was too high but why the hell did he have to go to the Bears. Now we have to deal with him for the next 20-25 games we play against the Bears. Could be ugly times ahead.

But let's hope the new brain trust in Allen Park (or Ford Field) or wherever the hell it is they work concentrates on those first five picks in the draft. And they all need to be good and they all need to start right away. Let's also hope we can get something out of players from the last few years drafts and they don't turn out to be bust, like our horrifying drafts from 2002-2004, where not one player from three full years of drafts is on the team.

Basically, let's keep our eyes on the prize.

Sheffield is Long Gone

2009-03-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

This news just hitting the wires....the Tigers have released slugger Gary Sheffield. This took some general managerial balls but it's the right move. Sheffield is a has been, and has been an albatross around the last two teams he's played for, locker room poison and brings nothing but bad vibes, even when he is hitting decently. (According to the Detroit News this is stunning because the Tigers will eat his $14 million contract.)

Granted, I had a different opinion when the Tigers first acquired him after the 2006 season. As I remember it, he was crying about his contract in New York, threatening to hold out unless he received an extension. The Tigers off their magical 2006 season gladly swallowed him up in a trade, surrendering promising prospects in the process.

As we all know the last two Tigers seasons have went south and though Sheffield has hit well at times, he's mostly been injured or pissed off, or both. This is pretty much the way it went down when he was with the Yankees. He is living proof that baseball is the most individual of the team sports.

It will be much easier to pull for the Tigers this year with Sheffield gone. It's nice to know that Leyland's buddy was not cut a break (another guy who has lost much of his magic over the past two seasons.) I will say it is admirable that Sheffield never did take steroids (as far as we know) and I'm sure he'll hook up with a new team but good riddens and I'm glad the Tigers made the brave decision to move on.

With the Lions, the Draft is a Warm Gun, WIth No Safety

2009-03-31T03:17:00.000-07:00

After the majority of early mock drafts indicated otherwise, it now turns out the "experts" think Detroit will not draft the golden boy quarterback and instead play it safe, and pick a left tackle or this can't miss linebacker prospect

They base this on the new coach Jim Schwartz being smart and thinking things through. According to Peter King of SI, ""Schwartz won't be cowed into drafting Georgia's Matthew Stafford just because he's a good quarterback...If Schwartz has sincere doubts about any aspect of Stafford's game, he'll take someone better at his position."

You would think after eight seasons of horrific drafting preceded by merely bad drafting, it would be old man Ford begging for the safe pick. Not the coach who just rode into town and needs a quarterback. The new guy can afford to gamble. If history serves, his career is over anyway.

And this whole off-season I've been driving myself crazy, silently pleading, whatever you do, just do not draft a quarterback at #1. Especially this one. The guy didn't even finish his senior year. With all due respect, he almost lost a bowl game to Michigan State in 2009. I am State fan and grad and I know that's not good.

But, little by little, I have come to accept the fact that maybe we'll draft the quarterback #1. The guy does have a rifle for an arm and it would be nice to see him thrown downfild to CJ. So whatever happens, I'm at peace.

p.s. And this just came to me. In 2008, Matt Ryan beat Michigan State in a bowl game and went on to become the Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback and led them to the playoffs. Maybe now that Stafford did the same against State in 2009, he can write this same script for the Lions. Heheheh...Yeah, like that'll happen.

A Golden Age for the Red Wings?

2009-03-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

As a fan of the Wings since the Dead Things era, and growing up with their rise in the 90s, I always thought the two Stanley Cup seasons of 1997 and 1998 would stand as the high water mark of recent Red Wings history. And those were special times, no doubt, as the Wings drank from the cup after a 40 year plus drought. It was a long road to respectability and to finally get there and stay there, a city went crazy in its adoration.

Then we continued to win and brought home another cup in 2002. That was awesome. Because it's great to win but it's even better to bring it back home again. This also coincided with an ever increasing payroll and some accused us of buying championships. Then we got into some early round exits and the lock out, and then the new salary cap and everybody began to think that the era of Red Wings dominance was coming to an end. But let us consider this.

The Wings will qualify for their 17th straight post-season, the longest current streak in professional sports

They will reach the 100-point mark for an NHL-record 9th consecutive season

And, it is probable, they will put together their 4th consecutive fifty win season, tying an NHL record held by Montreal and Boston

And let's not forget we are defending Stanley Cup Champions. It's always a hard and uncertain road to the Cup especially when you are trying to repeat, but this team may be the most talented ever. We've got Zetteberg, Hossa and Datsyk. That is one ass kicking trinity. And if we can lock up Hossa into a long-term deal, we can ride this thing way into the future.

The only problem with all this success, is we Wings fan take the regular season for granted. I'm just dusting my hat, reading about what's going on with the team because I know they will take care of business in the regular season. It's automatic. They are money. They're golden.

Could the Pistons not make the playoffs?

2009-03-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

It's a bit hard to reconcile after six straight Eastern conference championship appearances, two Finals appearances and a championship that the Pistons may be sitting out the 2009 playoffs. But the controlled demolition of the Pistons roster this year by Joe Dumars and injuries makes this a real possibility.

To be honest, I'd rather get a lottery pick than suffer through a first round exit to the Cavaliers or the Celtics. So I am going to be the anti-fan and hope that the Pistons cast themselves out into the wilderness. That would give a huge mandate for change which is going to happen anyway with the expiring contracts of Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson.

The likely outcome is the Pistons back their way into the playoffs because Charlotte, Milwaukee and New Jersey are just too sad sack to make it happen for themselves.

Make the Best Business Decision

2009-03-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

It's more a curse than a blessing. But the Detroit Lions have been "rewarded" for their historical 0-16 season with the first pick in the NFL draft. The question now becomes who will they draft. The top candidates are a pair of left tackles (Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe), a middle linebacker (Aaron Curry) and a quarterback (Matt Stafford). I'm not quite sure who the best player of the four is, but I think the Lions should make the best business decision and everything else will fall into place.

The #1 pick is not desirable because the team will have to pay a LOT of money for the player, much of it guaranteed. Last year's #1 pick left tackle Jake Long contract was immense (5 years @ $57.75 million with $30 million guaranteed) and the year before that quarterback JaMarcus Russell (6 years $68 million, with $31.5 million guaranteed) hit the friggin lotto.

Right from the get go you will make an unproven rookie one of the highest paid players in the league. So you need to be absolutely sure the guy is going to work out. (Which they never do for the Lions.)

Also, since you will be paying a new rookie more than $11 million a year, it needs to be at a position where teams typically pay that kind of money, which is quarterback, left tackle and maybe defensive line and #1 wide receiver. So, for instance, if the Lions draft Aaron Curry, a linebacker, they will need to pay him at least $10 million a year. The highest paid middle linebacker in the league is Brian Urlacher who is paid a bit less than that amount.

So that's the dilemma right there. The Lions need a linebacker bad but it makes more sense to draft the best player at left tackle or quarterback (given the names at the top of the board.) So, the best business decision, is to sign Jason Smith for a five or six year contract somewhere in the neighborhood of $12 million per year with $32 million guaranteed. It will be interesting to see how my amateur opinion holds up over the next month as this deal gets done.

A New Dawn in the Jungle for the Lions

2009-01-16T06:54:00.000-08:00

I've been seduced before. Many times. And each time I thought this time it's different. This guy is different. He will make THE difference. He's a winner. And he'll turn us all into winners. This time we won't get hurt. This time, it's our turn! Time for New Orleans.

But of course it always turns to shit. But maybe, just maybe, this time could be different. There is always that potential. And this is why I am stoked with the new head coaching hire of the Detroit Lions, Jim Schwartz.

For one, this guy falls off two of the most successful coaching trees in contemporary pro football. He worked for Bill Belichick (who said he was one of the smartest coaches he’s been around – enough said, right there) and Jeff Fisher. For another he is educated. He has a degree in economics from Georgetown and according to reports is an avid chess player. Which is a bit of switch from their two previous coaches, who were from Northern Michigan and the Marines respectively and like all Lions coaches of the past 50 or so years would do the same thing over and over again hoping for different results. As a chess player, our new hero Schwartz knows that every situation has its own uniqueness and that any move you make effects what happens in subsequent moves. This is what you need in a football coach.

Now the Lions are stinking rotting corpse but at least there is nothing to save, no tradition to uphold. Except for the losing, which like a disease, we went from lovably mediocre to completely pathetic. We could get rid of our whole roster and I wouldn't care. This is the definitive crisis opportunity.

It's that sweet spot of a time to be a Lions fan. A new coach about to be introduced to a ravenously hungry but demoralized fan base and he #1 overall draft pick and five of the first 85 draft picks to get us some new blood and identity and

Restore the Roar. Moew!!!!

Lions Losing Makes it Easy

2009-01-06T11:21:00.001-08:00

I had a nice little conversation the other night with some Buffalo Bills fans. They apparently were jealous that as a Lions fan I could be negative and completely bitter all the time while they had to constantly make decisions between hope, disgust and despair. They did see a once promising season come to a nightmarish end. There was the epic fumble and loss in the last seconds against the Jets and then the bone headed management move of scheduling a December game against the Miami Dolphins in a Toronto dome (rather than make those Florida boys play in cold snowy Buffalo.) It was a pretty heady concept they were trying to convey but I can only imagine the damaged psyche of a Bills fan's having come up short in four Super Bowls. They do inhabit a whole different universe of hurt. I could see the intensity of disappointment.

Now I can enjoy the playoffs knowing that my team has already lost all their games this season. My hopes are that the Lions win a game sometime in the not too distant future. Because we are at 17 straight losses and right now we have to build a team that will try not to lose games. We can always build a winner later. The bar has been lowered. I'm just looking for that one victory.

This is the most exciting time for a Lions fan. Like an addict, I am at the start of the cycle fully aware of how things will turn out in the end but psyched that we have new coach on the way and promising draft picks. When the NFL holds their highly publicized Human Resources meeting in Manhattan (i.e. the Draft), I will be in front of my computer imagining the players they will draft that will bring them back to respectability. There is no more losing for now, no more bottoms. We have the promise and the hope that new blood will bring new results for the first time. What is insanity? Being a Lions fans. (I paraphrase, it is actually doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results.)

Call me a Contrarian but I like the Move

2008-12-30T20:56:00.001-08:00

Well it happened. A season of horrific and historical proportions came to a merciful end with the Detroit Lions scoring zero wins against 16 losses. This was an NFL record that no other team will want to match. And the poor Lions can only hope that another team may join them one day in their misery.

The first thing Monday morning the Lions fired the coach and a few of his assistants. Somebody had to fall on their sword and the coach was all to willing. The poor guy was so over-matched and as bad as the team and the players were, I have to think smart coaching can get you a win or two per season.

Unfortunately, the architects of the disaster (or even worse the lackeyz of the architect) were given promotions and put in charge. Their names are Martin Mayhew (the new GM) and Tom Lewand (the new President.)

You can imagine the fan's ire that the owner (the octogenarian recluse William Clay Ford) would keep these guys around. Let's blow the whole thing up and start over, screamed the masses when given their time on sports radio. Myself, divorced from my emotions, am okay with this move and only request they honestly give the very rational reasons for keeping them around and seeing what they can do.

Because the Lions have and will pay A LOT of money to guys who delivered some of the most horrible results in the history of pro sports. They just got done paying Steve Marrauichi $6 million dollars for not coaching their team in 2006 and 2007. Likewise, they will be paying Matt Millen $5 million in 2009 and 2010 to not be the GM. Crazy money. So why not give these low risk, low pay guys left standing a chance to see what they can do.

Also, there is the matter of the new CBA the owners have to negotiate with their players and the real likelihood that the 2010 season will suffer a lockout by the owners. It seems smart not to promise a lot of money to guy you'll need to pay even if the team doesn't play.

In their introductory press conference, the M & L boys did mention Pittsburgh and Philadelphia as blueprints, which I hope they don't really feel is the Lions blueprint. Because if you are a dome team you need to look at the dome teams that have won Super Bowls and there are only two: Indianapolis and St. Louis. Both of those teams had a high-powered offense. So for all the talk of building a big tough defense (which you will need) you need to have offense.

Now if Bill Parcells becomes available you got to take that. He is the only guy that you are pretty much guaranteed a winning team two or three years after the introductory press conference.

Geting Misty Eyed over Joey

2008-12-15T21:57:00.000-08:00

There is an interesting piece in a recent New Yorker magazine about the difficulty in assessing what star college quarterbacks will be successful in the NFL. (It actually was about how it is hard to find and evaluate good teachers but that is similar to the hunt for that elusive NFL quarterback.)

It includes an interview with a hardened pro scout who after decades of evaluating college quarterbacks still can't determine to any degree of certainty who will make a great NFL quarterback or who will, more likely, turn into a huge bust.

And he had his kindest words for Joey Harrington.

"I tell you I saw Joey live," he (pro scout Dan Shonka) said. "This guy threw lasers, he could under tight spots, he had the arm strength, he had the size, he had the intelligence." Shonka got misty as a two-hundred-and-eighty-pound ex-linebacker in a black track suit can get. "He's a concert pianist, you know? I really -- I mean really -- liked Joey."

Of course, Joey did have the misfortune of being drafted by the Detroit Lions.

Free Rod

2008-10-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

It's time for the Detroit Lions to show some compassion and fire their head coach. And they should also include his son-in law, who happens to be their defensive coordinator. Let's end this nepotistic anti-dynasty, give the jaws of life to some other poor soul and attempt to salvage this wreck of a season.

The firing arguments have evolved over the season. First, you had the sports radio die-hards who were onto coach Rod and how he talked a good game but couldn't help but notice the lack of wins, the lack of improvement of the Lions players and how they did the same things over and over again with the same unsuccessful results. Maybe this Tampa 2 defense is how you win games but when you hire a defensive coach and your defense is always at the bottom of the league in defense, something is wrong here. And, even worse than that, he is a defensive line coach and we've seen no improvement with our defensive line in three years while we've thrown big contracts at under performers.

Not it would be the compassionate thing to do to fire him. He hasn't been given the talent and he is drowning in this. He's too close to the action to see what's really happening. Set him free.

Lions Lose

2008-10-26T19:31:00.001-07:00

And I was oh so close in predicting the outcome. I said Redskins 27-16 and it turned out to be 25-17 with the Redskins just covering the 7 and half point spread.

Granted, we are talking about the Lions but still they had the lead at halftime. But as per the case in 14 of their past 15 games, they could not get the job done.

This is bad. Really bad. They will win one maybe two games if they are lucky but that's it. There is really nothing to look forward to until late January or early February when they hire their new GM.

There are calls in the local papers to fire the coach Rod Marinelli. Not so much because he is a bad coach, although based on the results I don't know why he might have the potential to be a good coach. No they are suggesting he get fired for humanitarian reasons. That he is too invested in this horrible team and since he'll be fired at the end of the season anyway, why make him go through this season where every Sunday will be like Groundhog's Day, with the Lions getting run over by whatever team they are playing.

I can see the signs at Ford Field now: Free Rod.

Lions Game #7 Preview: The Redskins

2008-10-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

This Sunday it's the Lions vs. the Redskins. A classic blowout in the making.

Hopefully not as bad as last year. The Redskins beat the Lions 34-3, dropping the Lions record to 0-21 vs the Redskins in Washington, D.C.

Now the Lions and Redskins play the first non-sell out Ford Field home game ever. Feels appropriate.

Redskins are 7 and a 1/2 point favorites (The Lions are 2-0 against the spread in the post matt millen era.)

Brutal Reality

Redskins

Run offense 158.1 yards per game (3rd)
Run defense 86.4 yards (7th)

Lions

Run defense 167.5 (31st)
Rushing yards 77.7 (30th)

Looks like we'll be airing it out. (Oh wait, we fired Mike Martz after last season.) Hopefully we can stop the redskins running game. Fantasy football players who have Clinton Portis are licking their chops. Most likely, won't happen. Redskins 27-16

Update on Lions vs. Vikings

2008-10-12T10:50:00.001-07:00

This is a nice microcosm of how the Lions season is going. After recovering the ball on their one yard one line, they put this drive together.

Detroit - 0:31
1st-10, DET1 0:31 D. Orlovsky incomplete pass to the right
2nd-10, DET1 0:27 D. Orlovsky incomplete pass to the left
3rd-10, DET1 0:18 D. Orlovsky sacked by J. Allen. D. Orlovsky sacked for a safety

This weeks numbers: $8.5 million and 13 1/2 points

2008-10-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

The Lions have reached new depths of futility. This is the worst they have ever been. They will be lucky to win 2 games and have a good opportunity to be become the first NFL team to go 0-16.

They did score a victory of sorts this week. Former first round wide receiver Charles Rogers was ordered by a court to give back his $8.5 million dollar signing bonus. Not sure how they will actually get that money back, maybe they can send over some muscle; maybe some of the eleven defensive lineman they have on their roster are actually good for something.

Also, just to give an idea on how bad things are, the Lions are 13 and half point underdogs to a 2-3 Minnesota Vikings team. I have to think this is unprecedented. It makes me wonder whether the Lions are due for an upset.

Good News for Masochistic Lions Fans

2008-09-27T00:15:00.000-07:00

A new act at the Waterford Grill

The Matt Millen Clown and Lounge Show, with Joey Harrington on keyboards and backup singers Mike Williams and Charles Rogers.

They can no longer harm Lions fans so let them entertain with hits like "Morningwhig, Marinelli and Mooch....my kind of guys" and "First Round Wide Receiver...I Think I'm in Love."

The band pays you to show up...part of a $100 million plan to pay back all the money they received for their unprecedented run of failure.

Down with the Tigers, Up with the Cubs.

2008-09-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I took a look at the major league baseball standings. With me, it's always about the home team and for baseball that means the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers came into this season with high expectations sporting all kinds of newly acquired talent and a bloated payroll usually seen only in New York or Boston. And from the get go they stunk - real bad. After losing their first eight games of the season, they have barely played .500 baseball and are now way back in the AL Central. I know this because I checked today for the first time since June. Yes, I am a fair weather fan. Which can be an advantage, I'm sure the Lions wish people would stop paying attention to them.

But, man, the standings told a great a story and with baseball playoffs almost here, it's time to get myself a seat on the bandwagon. And I have my team. The Chicago Cubs. Could this be the year that the lovable yet hapless Cubbies finally overcome their century long jinx. That is the kind of story that world needs now. Go Cubs!

Q&A #1

2008-09-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

Question: What's eating Jon Kitna?

Answer: He wishes he was J.T O'Sullivan

Kitna wants to be a christian robot in the mark martz scheme. Not be where he is right now where he needs to make plays and throw good passes.

And all he can think about for this Sunday's game, "if only i was mike martz's bitch. Things would be so much better." Then maybe Jesus would be that much prouder.

The poor guy, knew the team was a fraud. He knew it was over with three straight touchdowns in the first half of the first quarter of the first game and knew the defense sucked balls and the offensive line was worthless and it was all on him to win. And he knew he couldn't do it.

But I pick on one man, what about the Lions as the pathetic uncompetitive organization they are. The people in charge need to wake up. Long standing institutions with a much better record of success are going down as I write this.

So true

2008-09-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Spoken by Stephen Smith on the ESPN network.

"This (Lions) team is just atrocious and Matt Millen is a walking football atrocity. He is the worst executive, in my opinion, in the history of team sports.

"He is flat-out garbage. The fact that he is allowed to have a job, the fact that he is allowed to walk though the streets of Detroit to enter Ford Field is an abomination in and of itself.

"There should be barricades keeping this man out of the city limits. He should not be allowed to be employed by the Detroit Lions. He is a disgrace of the highest order.

"And that's why you can't take anything Aaron Rodgers did yesterday seriously, because we are talking about the Detroit Lions, who are absolute garbage. ...

"(Millen) is clueless, he doesn't know what he's doing. Until they get rid of him, we're going to be saying that a whole bunch of people look good when they play the Detroit Lions."

The Lions 2008 Season - One and Done

2008-09-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

This email from a friend says it all about the Lions opening game.

Oh my god,
I didnt think it was going to be that bad.
I really thought six - nine wins.
wow.

This season is DOA.

The first quarter was brutal. The Lions were like a basketball team that couldn't get a defensive stop. The Falcons scored on their first three possessions like the defense was not there.

The Atlanta Falcons then ran and ran and ran all afternoon. More than 300 yards on the ground.

It was pathetic. Even for the Lions, it was disappointing and a little bit shocking. But not completely unexpected.

This was a major meltdown.

And it comes back to the fundamental problem with the Detroit Lions. Their complete lack of competitiveness. They just do not have the desire or talent to be a respectable NFL team.

Now comes the Monday morning recriminations. The coach insisting that he believes in this team. And the players who do not show up on Sunday are all there to make excuses for the reporters.

And how did the veteran leadership do?

Jeff Backus? The seven year veteran (?) had a false start on his second play of the game. Apparently, the other offensive tackle got pushed around too. I think it is time to put in the rookie. I think it's time to seriously clean house, man. Play the young guys. Please.

And Jon Kitna, the veteran quarterback and resident bible thumper. What a douche! He was yelling at the receiver's coach like a jackass, making questionable decisions on the field that ruined any chances to get back in the game and will come to define this season. This guy is on the very back-end of an extremely mediocre career. You got to be kidding that we'll try to squeeze out four or five wins with a guy who won't be able to walk two years from now.

Where do you start to build with this team?

I thought it was going to work with this coach. In Rod We Trust. A nice slogan but I don't think it's going to happen. If a team can't get motivated for the first game of the season and in fact suffers a meltdown (that was eerily similar to the one that happened in Philadelphia last year after starting 2-0) what can you really expect.

I'll be watching this season like one gawks at the remains of a bad traffic accident.

Thank God it's Week 1

2008-09-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

It's time for that uncomfortable summer heat and humidity to go away, for tropical storms and hurricanes to form somewhere out there in the the Atlantic and for the Detroit Lions to take to the field and prove their doubters right once again.

The slogan for the Lions has changed from "Wait til the next Decade" to "Do You Believe in Now.' And it does appear there are reasons for optimism. The Lions are coming off their best pre-season since 1993. That was back in the Wayne Fontes era, which are now referred to as the golden years.

Of course, there are still uncomfortable realities to consider. The Lions gave up more points (27.8) and yards (377.6) per game than any defense last year. Their offense had the 31st rated running game averaging (80.5) yards per game. Teams with stats like that typically don't do well in the NFL, kind of like the Lions last season.

Luckily, the Lions are fortunate enough to play the Atlanta Falcons in their season opener. This fellow sad sack franchise had a monumentally bad season last year with their starting quarterback going to prison and their coach suddenly quitting halfway through the season. And this year they will start a rookie quarterback. In other words, there are few better opponents to open your season against.

So, for the Lions, this is a make or break game. Because if the Lions hold out hopes of winning, say, five or six games this season, they need to win this game.

Among the things to feel good about is the Lions will start an all-rookie backfield. It's always nice to have new blood back there and they will not suffer the taint of last year's disgrace. Things to not feel so good about is starting pretty much the same offensive line as last season. And even worse, new offensive tackle first-rounder Gosder Cherilous is not starting but hopefully this means he could soon replace our hopelessly mediocre and extremely overpaid left tackle Jeff Backus.

Going out on a limb, I am going to make a prediction for this game.

The Lions will try to run but this won't work too well. They go to the pass and make some big plays.

The much improved defense, which had a nearly complete makeover in the secondary, will try to rattle the rookie quarterback.

The special teams will blow the favorable field position the offense and defense earn.

We'll score some touchdowns but as per the Lions M.O. we'll have to settle for field goals.

Lions 20-16.

Two Trailer Park Girls Go Round the Outside

2008-08-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, yes, it has been a spell since I fed my little baby.

My excuse is a general lack of excitement in Detroit sports lately (I know, bear with me for a second here.)

True, the Red Wings did go ahead and win the Stanley Cup (as Scotty predicted) but I was too busy in my revelry to get analytical. How can the mere words of an amateur compete alongside the visceral feeling of millions celebrating another Stanley Cup victory? I will say that I believe (or maybe more hope) that the Wings are heading for a new dynasty.( A New Dynasty for the New Century. I like the sound of that.) If Lidstrom can hold out a few more years and with Zetterberg and Datsyk coming into their primes, along with a strong supporting cast of characters like Johan Franzen, it's possible for the Wings to get a couple more Stanley Cups in the next five years. I am one greedy bastard when it comes to Red Wings and Stanley Cups. Now we got Marian Hossa, who, I hope (again), will put this team on his shoulders and win a few games in next year’s playoffs. (BTW, do you think Mike Illitch signed him because he has the same first name as his wife.)

The Tigers were a huge disappointment. In less than two years they went from the overachieving and lovable underdogs to bloated overpaid underperformers led by their poster child (and bad luck charm) Gary Sheffeld. (Though I can’t help but identify with disgruntled/underperforming worker – that’s my shtick!) Hopefully, something can be salvaged after they dismantle this monstrosity of a payroll.

Which all gets me to the Lions. The reason I am back from my hiatus! The Detroit Lions are 3-0. Granted, this is the pre-season. And they were 6-2 at one point last year. But I am ready to believe in now (or today) or whatever their cheesy slogan is. My expectations are low; let’s just not suck this year boys. I think we can get there. Because the NFL really does have a lot of crappy teams.

It's All About The Red Wings Now

2008-05-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's time to get really excited about the Red Wings. We are in the conference finals and typically when we make it this far we make it all the way (except for last year, but the wings much more healthy this go round.) It's always those pesky early rounds that provide the serious trouble.

We cruised so fast through that second round I did not have a chance to let the good people of Nashville know that as hockey fans, they are not so bad. They were loud and behind their team and played in a role in beating the wings in that game 3 or 4, or whatever game that was. I can't remember if the series even went six games? What I do know is that the Wings have won six games in a row and that I would still like Nashville to lose their franchise to a Canada city, preferably London or Kitchener. Huh, got that.

So i say it's all about the Red Wings because the Pistons just drive me crazy. I can't get handle on what's going with those dudes. They seem as indifferent to winning as this casual fan. I can take it or I can leave it. I am even feeling sorry for the overmatched Orlando Magic. At least they want to win, even though the Pistons seem to own them.

Hopelessly Optimistic After This Year's Lion's Draft

2008-04-28T13:28:00.001-07:00

"So that happened."

You think this is what Matt Millen says after every draft, curious and confused as to why he has not been fired yet.

Remember Daryl Rogers begging and pleading "What does a guy have to do to get fired around here?" For Matt Millen, there appears to be no answer to this question. He keeps on losing, keeps on wasting money on first round draft picks that bust, keeps making him and the Lions the biggest embarrassments in the league. Anytime the sport's punditry needs to fill in some air time, they can always hop on the meme of the Detroit Lions woeful draft record, their 31-81 record the last six years, the unexplainable fetish a hall-of-fame middle linebacker has for diva wide receivers.

So it was not a large surprise when this year's draft was in the books the majority feeling that the Lions did not do well. Of course, this could because the Lions never do well. Never even come close to doing well.

But despite the fact everybody seems to think they have a pretty good opinion, nobody really knows.

The good news is the Lions actually drafted for positions where they need players. And these players appear to actually enjoy playing football.

They needed a right tackle. And they got one in the first round. (Some said it was a reach but if you are drafting top five offensive tackle or defensive end in the first round, i think you are pretty much on target.)

In the second round, they got that middle linebacker they've needed forever, who seems quite a bit like one they cut recently but maybe this guy will work out. Because he has to work out.

Then in the third round they got a running back and two defensive linemen.

All needs. So whether they are good or not they should get a chance to make the team and play.

So would everybody shut up about how the Lions messed up this year's draft. Again. Because we don't know that yet. That is why we play the games.

Trust me, this is a lot easier to take if you drink the kool aid and eat the corn bread.

Scotty Sez Red Wings a Go Go for the Cup

2008-04-08T12:34:00.001-07:00

Yeah kid's it's spring and you know what that means...NHL playoff hockey. Here is hoping that we'll be sun bathing by the time the Red Wings stop playing. And though he is not the most objective source, Scotty Bowman likes the Red Wings to be doing triumphant laps around the rink come the middle of June.

These choice cuts from his Q&A with the New York Times:

"As for who will win the Cup, I might be prejudiced in this, but I’m a big supporter of the Red Wings. I think they’re poised to have a good run and I think they have the best chance to win the Cup."

Okay, but give me reasons to believe Scotty.

"I think one of the main reasons the Wings are well poised for the Cup this year is because, in February, some of their veterans — Lidstrom, Rafalski and Hasek — suffered injuries which forced them to rest. That wouldn’t have happened otherwise. So the veteran players are rested and the best offensive players, Datsyuk and Zetterberg, are not that old."

And

"The team this year had some adversity toward the end of the season to win the Presidents’ Trophy, with some injuries and big lead. I think the adversity in this case is a good thing for them rather than bad."

The Nav Bar Don't Lie

2008-04-07T10:49:00.001-07:00

More proof that the NHL is slipping in its status as one of the top four sports. Yahoo Sports has refreshed their navigation bar and moved the NHL a few places to the right. It now lives "below" NASCAR and just left of Mixed Martial Arts. I have to assume that Yahoo did this based on the amount of visitors to these sections. Ironically, maybe hockey could have maintained its popularity by adopting some of the moves of MMA fighting, instead of catering to the 'no fighting and every player wear a visor' crowd.

The evidence:

"We've Looked Like a Dead Club"

2008-04-03T20:02:00.000-07:00

Some people say that the Red Wings are the New York Yankees of hockey. But after being the the only MLB team swept in this season's opening salvos, could the Tigers be the update to the overpaid under achieving team? As it now stands, the Tigers have the second highest payroll in baseball (more than the Red Sox and the Mets!) along with bullpen problems, injuries and, so far, a winless season.

And losing and lack of excitement could be bad for business, as blogcritic.org points out.

At an average ticket price in the mid $20 range in Detroit and an anticipated attendance of around 3 million for the season, the Tigers can’t make payroll on ticket prices alone. Luxury boxes, concessions and local broadcast rights fees figure into the mix but it still hard to fathom that those other revenue streams can completely make up the difference.

Of course, basically, we have all of the season left, so no panic here. But the cinderella Tigers of two years ago have been transformed into a team loaded with superstars and expectations. Is the joy gone?

NFL Mock Drafts

2008-04-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

The prognosticaters have the Lions putting the proverbial cart before the horse, choosing Running Back over Offensive Line. Maybe Millen figures the wide receivers can do the blocking.

CBS, ESPN & NFL Draftcountdown : Rashard Mendenhall (RB) Illinois
Sports Illustrated: Chris Williams (OT) Vanderbilt
Rivals.com: Derrick Harvey (DE) Florida

Matt Millen's April Fools Day Interview

2008-04-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

Maybe this is not an April Fool's article, but the the "Freep" quotes Matt Millen in today's edition as saying, "I don't think we have painted ourselves into a hole. We have options draft wise."

Perhaps he is referring to the fact that so many former draft picks have been released and/or not re-signed. ("That's what we in the business call roster space.") They have unburdened themselves from former first round pick (Kevin Jones) and four second round picks (Shaun Rogers, Boss Bailey, Ted Lehman and Kalimba Edwards) in just the past month. And that doesn't take into account their trifecta of big-time busts of years past: Joey, Chuck and Mikey.

Also, they have an interview with Boy Wonder Ford and you have to love this vote of confidence for Millen:

It’s no secret you were high on Millen in the beginning. Do you have the same feeling now?

“Matt doesn’t report to me, and as a result, it’s probably not right that I comment on it.

It's not right that I comment that Millen sucks. 31-81. If he was a vehicle in our Ford lineup, he would be the Ford Expedition. Grotesquely big, lumbering and slow; a gas guzzling, bullshit spewing vessel from another era.

One commenter said that Ford could have mentioned he was a good broadcaster. But I always thought he sucked at that too. He talked in cliches and said the most obvious things and reveled in his buffoon persona. The guy could play football. He needed to keep it there.

Matt Millen. Here's to you keeping it April Fool's Day all year long.

(And I know this has been mentioned before, but the NFL must have put him on the competition committee as an April Fool's joke and forget to take him off.)

Tigers Lose Opener in Extra Innings Classic

2008-04-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

"Oh my goodness gracious isn't that terrible, Henny Penny the sky is going to fall."

Okay maybe not, even after the Tiger lose their opener to their lowly division rivals, the Kansas City Royals. For me anyway, this makes sense because I met some Royals fans traveling through Costa Rica in December, and they were the first to inform me of that big Cabrera/Willis trade. They were concerned that this move was not a win/win, that it seriously impacted the Royals chances of winning the pennant, But I assured them "don't worry, it doesn't matter how good the Tigers will be because the Royal's suck!" Sorry Tiger fans, I jinxed it for everybody,

But i digress. People (and I mean the media and sports radio) take it easy on the bullpen. These guys are pretty sensitive and will need some confidence for the next 161 games (and hopefully more.) I think we left like 10 guys on base, so that can't happen. They're talking the Tigers possibly scoring a 1000 runs this season, which averages more than 7 runs a game. So if that was the case, we would have won this thing. And I think the Royals might actually be a good, scrappy young team. And don't the Royals seem to always beat us. They kept us being from central division champs in the last weekend of the 2006 team and now they have spoiled our undefeated season.

Keep the faith. This kind of stuff would not shake Uncle Donny.

"You go to war with the bullpen you have..not the bullpen you wish you had."

Can't Stop Talking Those Lions (Honolulu) Blues

2008-03-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

What's happening in Detroit sports? The Tigers start their 2008 season Monday after trading and signing one of the best young talents in baseball with a good chance to get back to the World Series. The Pistons will finish second in their conference and try to make it six straight Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The Red Wings begin their 17th straight playoff quest for the Stanley Cup after finishing with the NHL's best record. But of course all Detroit sports radio can discuss (beside Mayor Kwame's recent criminal indictment) is the Detroit Lions.

In 2007, the Lions had their usual train wreck of a season. They started with one of the shakiest 6-2 starts ever, losing in 50 point blow outs to Washington and Philadelphia. Still, there was reason for optimism as fully 80 percent of teams that start 6-2 make the playoffs.

But as the second half wore on, we were once again reminded that the Lions are not like other teams, or really, any other professional sports team. They went 1-7 in their final eight games for a 7-9 record, which in the perverse recent history of the Lions made that their best record since the 2000 season. (The year before Matt Millen began his quest to become the worst front office executive of all time.)

Their first off season move was firing their genius offensive coordinator and replacing him with the offensive line coach. This was a bit curious as their offensive line was one of the worst in the league all season, one that was causing quarterback Jon Kitna to see miracles all season (what the less evangelistic might call concussions.) Apparently, it was just that the blocking schemes were too complicated, and they figure once those are dumbed down, by their new coordinator, they will find that running game that can never quite put together.

But the Lions are a few key pieces short of a running game: mainly an effective offensive line especially at the tackle positions and a running back. Despite the lack of excitement such a pick brings, Detroit media and sports radio callers are begging the Lions to take a OT. But it seems like they have other ideas, and I think it is time they drafted for defense. Which might be the plan for the Lions. Because as bad as the offense was last year, the defense was a whole lot worse.

Whatever happens we can be pretty sure it will be the wrong one, and the player will most likely eventually be waived, traded for a third round draft pick or go to prison for manslaughter.

Lions 2008 Calendar Update: (Gift for Christmas)

January - Jon "10 Win" Kitna
February - ~~Kenoy Kennedy~~
March - Jeff "False Start" Backus
April - ~~Boss Bailey~~
May - MIke "Call Me' Furrey
June - Ernie "You See, the Lions Can't Mess Up All Their First Round Draft Picks" Sims
July - Dan "Are You Sure He's on the Team" Campbell
August - Cory "Better Step Up This Year" Redding
September - ~~Kalimba Edwards~~
October - ~~Kevin Jones~~
November - ~~Fernando Bryant~~
December - Roy "Not Here Much Longer" Williams

The Wings hit some Milestones

2008-03-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

"They said this day would never come. They said our sights were set too high."

These words came to mind after the Wings made it three straight 50 win seasons. If you remember, after the NHL returned from its suicidal lock-out, many pundits and prognosticators predicted a steady decline and/or rapid demise for the Red Wings. No longer could the Wings pad their roster and pay rolls with their rent-an-overpriced veteran policy, as they did through much of the 90s. Without the money bags of Mike Ilitch to outspend the competition, "they" said, the Wings would need to compete with their competition on an equal footing.

But the salary cap era came about the same time the high payroll strategy was already wearing pretty thin anyway. So it was time to focus more on what the Wings do best. And in recent years, that is scouting Russia and Europe, and more specifically Sweden, for young players that fit the Wings puck possession style.

And the results are in. The Wings will be the President's Cup Trophy Winners for the 2007-2008 season. Though we have seen this before, being the best during the regular season, only to suffer lethal gut punches in the first and second rounds of the playoffs, let's chill at the excellence of this team. Because in addition to that third consecutive 50 win season, this will also be the Wings 17th straight playoff appearance. That is the longest streak in professional sports. (They are about as good as the Lions are hapless.)

And though you can never know what will happen in the playoffs, I like our chances to go deep like we did last season. (The conference finals.) It's time the new generation won a cup.

The Ever Quotable Jim Leyland

2008-03-25T22:41:00.000-07:00

Sportswriters who cover the Tigers must love the words that come out of Jim Leyland's mouth. (Of course nothing like having Rasheed Wallace to write your copy.)

Leyland's recent explanation of Jason Verlander's troubles and their possible causes:

“I’m not worried about Justin,” the manager told the Detroit Free Press. “He just has to work harder to keep the ball down. He got all out of sync and he never got back into it. He got radar gun conscious and he started to feel all macho.”

More quotes courtesy of the Motor City Forum:

"I remember somebody telling me, 'You can't trade (Tony) Pena. He's our most popular player,' " Leyland said. "Look, when you lose 100 games two years in a row and draw 700,000 (fans), you don't got no popular players."

Let's Get the NHL Playoffs Started Already

2008-03-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Though I do not have the blood lust for the Nashville Predators like other villains of Red Wings past, it was nice to see the Wings dispatch them handily last night and in their own building. (Now that they can't win at home- I guess the Predators have lost six straight in their building - maybe it's time to move the team north, where hockey is meant to played, like London Ontario or Kitchener.)

I especially like how the Predators took the early lead only to be answered by three straight Red Wings goals. Then they come back to tie the game at 3 and the Wings again score three straight, for an impressive 6-3 victory. Johan Franzen was the hero, getting the game winning goal in the third. Gotta love those Swedes.

I like the way we can score this year. We had some droughts this season and no doubt we’ll hit the skids in the playoffs as we so often do, but we got more offensive fire power this year than we have for a long time. (And now that I take a closer look, Hank Z. gets a hat trick Wednesday, scoring all three goals in a 3-1 win over Columbus.) Yes, I do love those swedes, with a special kind of love for Hank.

Down with (Columbus) Ohio. Down with the South (Nashville).

And pinch me if I’m dreaming, but it looks like we may get the Avalanche in round one of the playoffs. How nice would that be? Get that rivalry greased up again.

The Detroit Lions: Rebuilding Since 1957

2008-03-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

The recent release of Kevin Jones has fired up the word processors of many a NFL columnist. It is an oft-told and sad tale about the ineptitude of Matt Millen and his disastrous reign as the president of the Detroit Lions. Hubris. Arrogance. Incompetence. Maybe it’s a good thing that he is running a football franchise rather than calling the shots in say, U.S. foreign policy. Or maybe he is doing that on the side too, which would explain a few things.

Peter King of Sports Illustrated gives a run down of drafts in the Matt Millen era (though I do disagree a bit with his evaluation of Jeff Backus as a "Very good player" ):

2001: Round 1, 18th overall, T Jeff Backus. Very good player --112 career games, all starts. Round 2, (50), C Dominic Raiola. Above-average five-year starter. Round 2 (61) DT Shaun Rogers. Perennial tease just traded to Browns.
2002: Round 1 (3) QB Joey Harrington. Booed out of town in '05. Now a Falcon. Round 2 (35) DE Kalimba Edwards. Six seasons, 26 sacks. Just cut.
2003: Round 1 (2) WR Charles Rogers. Injuries, substance abuse made him a bust. Round 2 (34) LB Boss Bailey. Five years, moderate impact. Now a Bronco.
2004: Round 1 (7) WR Roy Williams. Very good wideout. Unhappy. On the block. Round 1 (30) RB Kevin Jones. Cut after one good and three nothing years. Round 2 (37) LB Teddy Lehman. Hurt too much. Just signed with Bucs.
2005: Round 1 (10) WR Mike Williams. Lasted two pathetic years before being cut. Round 2 (37) DT Shaun Cody. Backup DT. Seven career starts.
2006: Round 1 (9) LB Ernie Sims. Genuine item. Solid player, great leader. Round 2 (40) FS Daniel Bullocks. Good rookie year. Hurt second year. Can he rebound?

The good news is the Lions can’t possibly draft worse in the next seven draft years (or can they?) And while pundits may now rain down contempt at Matt Millen's draft record, he usually does receive decent grades on draft day. And, even though there is major incompetence at work here, there is also some bad luck too (i.e. the Kevin Jones injury situation, Charlie Roger's broken collar bones)

Patriots and Lions share similar lack of success

2008-02-05T15:18:00.000-08:00

The football season is over. The New York Giants are the champions after their improbable victory over the New England Patriots.

Of course, the Detroit Lions didn’t even come close to the playoffs despite a 6-2 start. The minute the players sniffed any sort of success somebody reminded them they were Detroit Lions. The second half of the season was a more familiar and comfortable 1-7. (I was lucky enough to see that uninspiring victory over the hapless Kansas City Chiefs. I was the one actively rooting against the Lions so they could break a record they should own - the first team to lose their last 8 games after going 6-2.)

Well some NFL teams did better than others, Matt Millen, has his own definition of success and failure in the top league of professional football, Because and I quote from the Lions web site, “For Lions President and CEO Matt Millen, success in the National Football League is simple: “The team that wins the Super Bowl is successful and the 31 other teams are not.”

If we are to believe this philosophy then the New England Patroits 18-1 are every bit as successful as the Lions 31-81 record the last seven years. I'll say this for Matt Millen, he's got some balls on him.

Hockeytown! now Hockeytown?

2007-10-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

It was the best of times and I guess the worst of times at the Red Wings season opener at Joe Louis last night. The good times part is the Wings won in a shootout and it looks as though we haven’t missed a step even with the departure of some key players like Todd Bertuzzi, who scored a goal and an assist for his new team, the visiting Ducks. Hank Zetterberg scored a goal and picked up an assist for the homers and was the first star of the game and Dallas Drake, our off-season free agent pickup, kicked off the fighting portion of the season.

But the worst of times part is the game was not sold out. In fact, from what they are reporting, there were up to 2500 empty seats. This is the first time the Red Wings did not sell out since 1996, ending a streak of 396 regular season games.

Of course, the nattering nabobs of negativity that are the Detroit sports columnists used this fact as an obituary for Hockeytown (which was a cheesy marketing slogan anyway). When I say negative, I mean specifically Drew Sharp. He will take any development, make a sweeping generalization and then smear the hometown team and fans with hackery like this, “Sprinkle red roses over the grave. The myth of Hockeytown officially passed away Wednesday.” (Did they revoke our three recent Stanley Cups?) Wojo in the News had a much more nuanced and balanced account of what is happening.

This drama all because a game in early October did not sell out? Okay, it was the season opener but maybe fans are just getting over the Tigers missing the post season and the Lions are giving us hope early in their season. There is only so much love (and disposable income) to spread around.

The real problem may be how meaningless the NHL regular season is, especially for a team like the Red Wings, a highly skilled crew who can cruise through the regular season. We don’t even get excited about having the best record in the league, since on two occasions all this has meant is a first round playoff exit. I usually set my hockey alarm clock for the playoffs.

And I know there is a lot of sentimentality with Joe Louis Arena, it does have great memories and good sightlines to watch a game, but Mr. Illitch needs to build a new stadium. It was a bad idea to build the arena on the river, since an enclosed arena doesn’t exactly take advantage of river views. And it makes getting to the stadium a pain the ass besides.

Winning is not enough for the Red Wings, especially when your fans take it for granted. The Wings need a new stadium and a move to the Eastern Conference.

Lions Now Players in NFL Power Rankings

2007-10-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Somebody please slug me in the gut! Not one but two ESPN NFL power ranking "gurus" have the Lions at #12 for week 5. That means we are in the top third of the NFL. Can the Lions really be better than two out of three NFL teams? This is rarified air for the Lions and I don't know how long they are going to be able to breathe up there. We are no doubt a bit over-rated, probably because everybody loves the Mike Martz offense and the Lions have been lucky enough to play some pretty poor teams.

Now it’s on to Washington. It’s always one step forward then a few steps back with the Lions and I am fully prepared for the worst. Yet I niavely hope for something better. The Lions history in D.C. is ugly, many a blow out and embarrassments. I am just hoping to be competitive. Let’s keep it close. Which is quite possible since the Redskins offense is not all that. Not sure what the under is for this game but I think we are looking at a low scoring affair. Whatever happens I am happy. The Lions could be 3-2 going into their bye week, which was at the higher end of my pre-season hopes.

Red Wings, Pistons about to get off the Bench

2007-10-02T19:00:00.001-07:00

Oh man, it was a beautiful feast of Red Wings and Pistons information in the Detroit News today. We are about to hit that sweet spot in the sporting seasons as baseball heads to the post season, hockey begins to stir, football games become more intense and basketball concludes their sexual harassment trials (ok, bit of a cheap but shot but had to be done. Now how glad are you that Bill Davidson picked Joe Dumars over Isiah?)

The Detroit News rounded up the Detroit Red Wings front office starting five (Jimmy Devalano, Jim Nill, Ken Holland, Scotty Bowman and Mike Illitch) to reminisce about the first 25 years of Mike Illitch's ownership of the team. And what beautiful times they have been. Even before the Cup with Scotty's teams, they had me at Jacques Demers and Bob Probert and of course Steve Yzerman, with Mickey Redmond supplying the mixed metaphors and cheesy play-by-play. I especially enjoyed the cloak and dagger tales told of busting Petr Klima, Vladimar Konstantaniv and Sergei Fedorov out of their respective communist countries. These guys did whatever it took to win. An even with the recent salary cap, they have demonstrated they can compete with a lower payroll.

And the blessed Pistons. This year is going to be interesting. I think a lot of us thought any chance at another championship ended a couple years ago when they stumbled through Cleveland before losing to Miami. And last year did not go so well either, though we did make it five straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances. But if what they are saying is true, and they are going to put the new younger crew on the floor for some serious and meaningful minutes than we have some potential excitement with the Pistons. Also looking forward to McDice as the starting center. It seems the Pistons have something to prove this year. When they do, that means trouble for the other team.

The Soft Bigotry of My Low Expectations

2007-10-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Go ahead and color me honolulu blue and silver impressed with the Lions 34 point 4th quarter Sunday afternoon. They set a freaking record against one of last year's Super Bowl teams! (Though it looks as if the Chicago Bears will play out the sad encore of a next season all recent losing Super Bowl teams seem to endure.)

When I think of the Lions breaking records it's for such things as losing 24 straight road games - a full three seasons worth. Most points ever by an NFL team in a quarter, this may be the high water mark for the Lions season. We may look back on this like when the statue of Saddam fell in Baghdad.

But maybe, just maybe, the Lions are in the "last throes" of their pathetic six year run. CouldRod Marinelli and all this "pound the rock" nonsense really work? Because usually they are busy losing games in the fourth quarter and now they go ahead and break a record for scoring points. They have flipped the script.

My two football teams, all I want is 7 wins. The Spartans can go to a bowl game with 7 wins. Not any prestigious bowl game, but they do go to a bowl, and it has been a few seasons since that has happened. They only need to win three of their final seven games. That seems doable. Andwith the Lions a .500 hundred season would be awesome but even winning just seven games would be great, since that means no double digit loss total.

Love the Club Hate the League

2007-09-27T13:34:00.001-07:00

Let me begin this post by proclaiming my love for the game of hockey and the Detroit Red Wings. This goes back as long as I can remember, which is about 1978, give or take a year or two. Even when they were so pathetic they couldn't get into the NHL playoffs when sixteen of seventeen teams made the post season, the Wings had their charms. Helmetless characters with colorful names like Rogie Vachon and Václav Nedomanský (though those two did wear a face mask and helmet respectively) let you know that management at least looked far and wide for their mediocre squad.

Now of course the Red Wings are a Grade A ass kicking NHL franchise. It's been sixteen straight seasons of playoff hockey and three Hockeytown Stanley Cap Champions. No team except for maybe the New Jersey Devils have had a good a run as we have in those years and since the Devils play the most boring, plodding style of hockey imaginable, I'll saw we Wings fan are plenty lucky.

But as usual I digress. I'd like to talk about the clowns who run the NHL and how I view them as bad as any cellar dwelling professonal hockey club. I live in the New York metro area with three professonial hockey teams within 25 miles of my door. And this year I have found out the Wings will not play any of them at home. Which means since I am a pretty much a Detroit homer when it comes to sports, I will not see any professional hockey in New York City (or New Jersey or Long Island) this season. Which is kind of a shame because New Jersey has a brand new arena I'd like to check out.

The Wings will play teams like the Columbus Blue Bonnets and the Nashville Easy Prey (k, Nashville not that bad) eight times this season. What a fucking waste of a legendary franchise. If I was the owner of the Red Wings, I'd threaten to leave the league and maybe hook up with a European or Russian League. I am serious, that's how bad I view this. And this summer a guy wanted to buy the Nashville club and move them to London or Kitchener Ontario which I thought was a great idea. That would set up a rivalry with the Wings straight away but those clowns want to keep the team in Nashville, hoping it catches on with the Deliverance crowd even though they don't draw fans for shit and never will.

On the other hand, with the glass half full, I like the fact that the Anahiem no longer Mighty just Ducks are potential new rivals. I'm still smarting from that playoff loss the Wings suffered to the Ducks and how they raided our roster for a couple of veterans (good riddens, let's give the youngsters a shot.) I can't wait to really give it to those goons, Eddie Shore Toe Blake old time hockey style. Make Reg Dunlap proud.

I am so ready for the WIngs season, although because they play on Versus I won't see them because half the bars in New York City don't have it and the other half could give a shit about hockey. Nice going NHL Management. I blame you. And no I am not going to go out and buy satellite because you don't know how to distribute let alone market your product.

Lions got me Angry and Confused....Again

2007-09-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Whoa Nelly! It has been a spell since I have weighed in on our boys in the Detroit uniforms. It's given me time to get a little more philosophical about these sometimes tortorous games I so enjoy. You see the trouble with sports is the eventual failure all your teams face (except for that lucky lone champion every year.) The Tigers get to the World Series only to be undone with throwing errros from their pitchers! and got beat by the most beatable team another team will ever face in the world series. That sucked. And made only worse by the fact that we are most likely going to miss the playoffs this year. You got to win it when you have a chance. You never know when you will make it back to the big show. The Pistons sleepwalk to the conference championship and get beat by Lebron and some 14 year old punk by the name of Gibson. That was typical. The Red Wings made it to the conference finals and lost a series they could have easily won. That was kind of a new thing for them. Either they are gone in the early rounds or doing laps around the Joe Louis ice with Lord Stanley's cup.

But given the Keith Jackson-ism I started the first paragraph with, this is now about the Lions. Because the Lions never fail to disappoint when it comes to disappointment. Going into Philly this weekend, we knew they were a fradulent 2-0 team. They were lucky enough to start the season against teams as inept as themselves. And there were believers out there who said they could stretch it to 3-0. The Eagles were looking vulnerable as they played horribly on national television Monday night. Of course, the elixer for any struggling team was about to come there way. What the Lions did was revisit some of the worst times of the Lions past. I think the Eagles, had they wanted to, could have scored on every possession. Which they almost did in the first half. Yeah guys, how bout them Lions linebackers. Were they even playing in the game? These guys could not even tackle. I'm not sure if they had 42 or 49 first half points but this game was a blowout. It was like even UofM played Appalachin State. Or, ahh, something like that.

I do not live in Detroit so unfortunately I have to go watch the games at a public bar. It is embarassing to be a Lions fan, sure people can sort of understand and feel for you, the typical response when I tell them I am a Lions fan is "God Bless You." I knew we were not that good, that we were fradulent, but I had no idea we would once again visit yet another bottom and wake those demons again, so soon.

But you know it could be worse. I thought for sure after Calvin Johnsons made that awesome catch and fell hard to the ground that he was done for the season. That would be so Lions. But he'll be back and he'll be good. And when I was at the bar, next to me was a fresh faced philly, who enjoyed this game no doubt, but to be a Philly fan is almost as bad as being Lions fan. They have not won a championship since the Sixers won the championship in 1983. I have seven warm memories to get me through every Sunday. (Not to mention the Michigan State Rose Bowl and BBall Champions.)

The Lions are like the circus animals affixed to the side of their helmets. Incredulous performances that are more comical than heartbreaking. Can they ever turn it around? Where do you start? What can really be done?

We just gotta Pound That Rock.

Weather Sucks. Economy Sucks. Sports Nice.

2007-04-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

With all four teams in some sort of action, yesterday epitomized what a great sports town Detroit is.

The Tigers win in 12 innings behind a grand slam from one of their young sluggers. And the Tigers continue to win games despite half their players not being able to buy a hit. It looks like this is going to be a season filled with quality pitching and dramatic home runs. And lots of wins.

The Pistons secured the top seed in the East by beating Orlando. Let's make it five conference championship appearances in a row. And win that and anything can happen in the finals.

The Red Wings are revamped and grittier than ever as they begin the playoffs tonight at Joe Louis Arena. It’s been a while since the wings have got me excited, but I like our chances this year, and how the torch has been passed to a new generation of wings, in Zetterberg and Datsyk.

And the Lions found out what their schedule would be for the 2007 season. Unfortunately for the Lions they will continue to play against other teams in the NFL, so even with improvement I can see no more than six wins in 2007. I am also looking forward to the season opener in Oakland when Josh McCown, freshly traded from the lions, beats the Lions after a 4th quarter Jon Kitna turn over.

We’ll always have spring time in hockey town

2007-04-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

I am excited for the upcoming Red Wings playoff battles, but if I have learned a thing or two about Detroit sports, it is do not get your expectations too high for the Wings come playoff time (more as of late) and never expect the Lions to win a game, ever.

It is impressive the Wings have been to the playoffs for sixteen consecutive seasons and have won the Western Conference the past three seasons (or something like that.)
The Wings have an amazing organization. But with pro hockey, you wait and wait for the playoffs, and then you get all excited and then your team loses in the first round. Plus, twice in the past three seasons they have lost as the #1 seed to the #8 seed, once getting swept in four games. That was pain. Like being a Lions fan pain.