The Detroit Lions, continuing the trend of mediocrity....

So how many of us have "Fire Millen" shirts?

I have a "Hire Miller" shirt, but it counts.

Close enough! You're HIRED!

But first, a few questions....


Can you overpay free agents?

Can you refuse to interview minority coaches?

Can you draft the same position in the first round for THREE STRAIGHT YEARS?

Can you continue to disregard our weak secondary?

Can you find the will to only win FIVE away games in FIVE straight seasons?

Can you find a way to lose 59 games in FIVE straight seasons?


Like I said, you're hired.

Actually, I don't agree with some of your charges. Detroit went into the regular season last year with decent depth at the CB position. They addressed the SS position in FA and I didn't think Holt played bad before going down to injuries. If anything, they could have used some depth at the safety position. Injuries to the entire defensive backfield, as well as the LB position cut down on the number of schemes available to the DC.

The overpaying for free agent charge is getting old too. In retrospect, I think most people would consider the Bly signing a pretty good deal. Some of the other signings may have not panned out, but the Lions are still comfortably under the cap, in comparison to other teams who have spent recklessly during the same time frame (Washington comes to mind).

I'm not even going to comment on the minority coach issue, following the results of the couching carosel this year. The NFL minority coaching policy is little more than lip service and anyone who fails to recognize that represents little more than the pot calling the kettle black.

In regards to the WR position, I believe there were a number of considerations. First was the uncertainty of Charles Rogers' health following a 2nd break of the collar bone. Next, the team philosophy to draft the best player available regardless of position. The team had struggled mightily in previous years with the WR position, including injuries and drops. MW was certainly considered fair value at the position that Detroit selected him in the draft and came with a reputation for sure hands. Nobody questioned the additional signing of Kevin Johnson and as fate would have it, the unreliability of Rogers and injuries would again leave Detroit shorthanded in 2005.

Interestingly, Marinelli was quoted recently in an article speaking about the desire to draft on a best player available philosophy. Might that result in another 1st round WR selection in 2006? I doubt it, but it could be a prelude to Detroit drafting into a position of strength (real or perceived) once again in 2006. I wouldn't be surprised to see them select Ngata or Hawk if by some chance one of them are still on the board or another 'backer like Greenway. I'm not arguing whether this philosophy is right or wrong, I'm just saying this seems to be the direction that Detroit is using in the draft in recent years and it doesn't seem to be a philosophy that will change any time soon (unless anarchy rules and Millen is finally sent packing).

The Lions overpay free agents because they have to. It's not like they are just going out and handing a bunch of cash to someone for no reason... There's no way Damien Woody goes to Detroit rather than staying in New England if he didn't get a huge deal. Same with Bly and Kennedy.

And as LH said, they're comfortably under the cap and have a very solid depth chart talent-wise (just need the coaching and the right system).

I don't see anyway you can question Millen's draft philosophy. Since he's been GM, they've had solid hauls in every draft.

2001
Jeff Backus (1)
Dominic Raiola (2)
Shaun Rogers (2)
Mike McMahon (5)

2002
Joey Harrington (1)
Kalimba Edwards (2)
Andre Goodman (3)
Chris Cash (6)
Victor Rogers (7)

2003
Charles Rogers (1)
Boss Bailey (2)
Cory Redding (3)
Artose Pinner (4)
Terrence Holt (5)
James Davis (5)
Ben Johnson (7)
Blue Adams (7)

2004
Roy Williams (1)
Kevin Jones (1)
Teddy Lehman (2)
Keith Smith (3)
Alex Lewis (5)
Kelly Butler (6)

2005
Mike Williams (1)
Shaun Cody (2)
Stanley Wilson (3)
Dan Orlovsky (5)
Bill Swancutt (6)

24 very solid selections, 20 of which still on the team, about 17 are starters...

I was honestly joking about some of the stuff I said. That's just the basic grumblings of the majority of Lions fans. I actually don't really mind Millen. He's done what he's had to do with the free agents. The one free agent who really makes me mad is Bryant. I was so incredibly pumped up when we signed him, but he just hasn't been able to stay healthy or play consistently for that matter. The Bly signing at the time didn't look like a good move, but it definitely has materialized nicely.

Again, I was seriously joking about some of those comments (other than the losses) and just poking fun at the whole "Fire Millen" philosophy. I'm sorry that it came across the wrong way.

nepg, I definitely agree with you about Millen and his drafts. He's done a very good job, especially in the later rounds (Alex Lewis, Holt, James Davis, Pinner and Cash all come to mind). I remember last year when we selected Mike Williams with our first round pick. I really didn't even have an opinion on it. I was excited for a second but I suddenly questioned how all those guys would get on the field consistently. I think it's more of the hype that Lions fans gave our team going into the season with our new offensive weapons and improved defense that made our down year so dissapointing.

But everything is in place for Martz to show us why he's an offensive genius.



MICHAEL HUFF!!

Huff would make my season. Especially if he stays at safety.

Well, Corey Bradford it is. Another wideout. Opening up a draft day trade involving Charles Rogers? I hope so...

Whether they keep everyone or not, it was a good signing. They needed another proven WR to run that offense, and now their WR depth chart is done (after Drummond signed)... Millen's doing a good job at holding back and not overpaying this year...aside from F-tagging Backus, which might work out in the long run if they can get him signed long-term and move him to the right side or inside.

I think the Lions needed another WR last year when people were hurt and suspended, they didn't need one now. Bradford definitely is the vertical threat in the slot they need (think Az Hakim when he was in StL), but it's likely going to cost someone their job (my guess is Rogers). But honestly, look at how bad Detroit has been with WR's the past five years....

Bill Schroeder (who says Favre doesn't make WR's better)
Az Hakim (system guy, better as a reserve)
Johnny Morton (never should have released him)
Mike Williams (my personal favorite, but seems lazy)
Roy Williams (probably will end up being the best)
Charles Rogers (worn out his welcome)
Kevin Johnson (i've been telling people for a few years how he's a cancer and not very talented)

There are others I'm forgetting too, but Detroit needs to get this straight.

What's funny is that Kevin Johnson was the vet prescence last year & performed the best of the WRs until he was injured.

That's not exactly saying much though. And besides, KJ is a total and complete jackass. I can't stand him. It makes me so happy that every single year he goes to a new team because he outstays his welcome.

Latest rumor swirling around Detroit?? The Lions will dump Harrington and sign Josh McCown. How about them apples.....

Interesting rumour. McCown is younger but then Harrington has more game experience, even if it is more losing experience. Both have question marks around them, but both could do really well under Martz.

Chad Jackson for the Lions 1st round pick 2005!!!!!! Four in a row!!

No Way!!!!!!

Santonio Holmes is clearly the pick

Apparently, Detroit has signed O-Lineman Rex Tucker. Don't really know too much about this guy. Can anyone share some thoughts?

Solid backup OL who can play pretty much anywhere on the line.

I heard an interview with Kitna yesterday on Sirius, and it was pretty good. He's an open guy, friendly, etc. He talked about how excited he was to work with Martz, and that when he came to Detroit, he knew this was the place to sign. I'd be excited if I was a Lions fan.

Too bad he's a horrible decision maker....


McCown's your future, Detroit. Embrace it.