Lions sign Drew Henson.

Lmao, really?

Stanton will have a cast on his hand for 4 weeks.

You know why David? Because of the kids! They called me Mr. Glass.

http://www.sunfyre.com/images/archives/2003/JacksonSamuel.JPG

Lions roster cuts today:

K- Dave Rayner
C- Carroll Madison
DB- Stephen Howell
DL- Claude Harriott
LB- Tyrone Pruitt

that trims the roster to 75, on Saturday the roster will be trimmed to 53...

:cornbread:




http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0826/nfl_g_johnson_will_412.jpg
Wide receivers Calvin Johnson (81) and Roy Williams (11) will be happier with a balanced offensive attack in Detroit.


Lions WRs thrilled about running game (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-1-392/Lions-WRs-thrilled-about-running-game.html) [/URL]
August 26, 2008 12:00 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10447"]Calvin Johnson (http://myespn.go.com/profile/violation?ou=nflnationadmin&at=7&vid=1219766072536) nodded his head vigorously. Roy Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5532) brought up the subject before we could ask. Yes, in a twist of intuitive irony, the Detroit Lions' big-time receivers couldn't be happier about the team's decision to re-emphasize the running game this season.

More than anything, Lions coach Rod Marinelli envisions the shift as a vehicle for toughening his team. But a natural by-product, both receivers said, should be more opportunities for big plays in the passing game. If all goes well, Williams figures the change will help he and Johnson form one of the top-three receiving duos in the NFL.

"My thing this whole preseason is just for us to run the football," Williams said by phone this week. "I just want us to get that ground game established so we can finally pull the safeties down into the box and give us some chances. In recent years, nobody has ever done that because we couldn't run the ball. That wears on you."

Yes, Williams faced more than his share of double teams in two years under former offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Things fell far out of balance last season, when the Lions attempted the fewest number of running plays (324) in the NFL while throwing the fourth-most passes (587). That combination made them easy to defend despite the gaudy passing numbers Martz's offense produced.

Even with 4,216 passing yards last season, the Lions ranked 16th among NFL teams in points per game (21.6) and 19th in total yards per game (322.9) Neither Williams nor Johnson so much as led the team in receiving, as opponents paid them premium attention while taking their chances with Shaun McDonald (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4564) (79 receptions) and Mike Furrey (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=4939) (61).

Williams believes that something will have to give if new coordinator Jim Colletto can install a legitimate running game in one summer. Although he almost will certainly see fewer passes than last season, Williams hopes to get a higher percentage of them against favorable coverage -- a formula that elevates his chance to make a big play rather than simply a catch.

In reality, all Williams needs is the threat of a running game -- a balance achieved by the big-play offenses in Indianapolis and Cincinnati, for example.

"I'm not saying we're Marvin [Harrison] and Reggie [Wayne] of the Colts or anything," Williams said. "But I think Calvin and I can be pretty good on the outside if we get a chance. If this thing works the way we hope, I think we're looking at a breakout season. To me, we'll be the third-best duo in the league."

Behind?

"Well, Marvin and Reggie are at the top," Williams said. "And then there's T.J. [Houshmandzadeh] and Chad [Johnson] in Cincinnati. That's about it."

The Lions have been nothing if not vigilant about the transition this summer. They have run the ball 96 times in three preseason games, the fifth-highest total in the league, and thrown only 82 passes. If they keep that pace during the 16-game season, they'll finish 2008 with nearly 200 more running plays than they produced last season.

The running game remains a work in progress, having averaged only 3.4 yards per carry this summer as the Lions mix and match personnel in the backfield. But whether it's coincidence or otherwise, the Lions' passing game has been sharper than ever during the preseason.

To the minimal extent that preseason games serve as a regular-season template, it's worth pointing out that Lions quarterbacks Jon Kitna (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1383) and Drew Stanton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10487) share the preseason league lead in quarterback efficiency. Both have a 150.5 rating, and Kitna has proved exceptionally sharp by completing 18 of 21 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns.

Johnson has caught nine passes for 170 yards, including four for at least 20 yards, while Williams has five receptions for 87 yards. Both have caught one touchdown in minimal playing time.

"I can't say I've seen an adjustment from defenses so far in the preseason," Johnson said. "After all, it's the preseason. ... But overall, there's no question. If the running game can be effective this year, they'll have to bring an extra man down into the box. That will only help us on the outside."

Effectiveness would be nice, but the mere commitment to run will be important in determining coverage on Johnson and Williams this season. Even if they draw safeties one step closer to the line of scrimmage than those defenders were last season, the Lions will have taken an important step.

Even if it produces below-average numbers, a dedicated ground attack can't be ignored the same way the Lions' running game was last season. An extra step could mean the difference between a 12-yard catch and a 40-yard touchdown. That's all Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson want -- and need.

"Well, Marvin and Reggie are at the top," Williams said. "And then there's T.J. [Houshmandzadeh] and Chad [Johnson] in Cincinnati. That's about it."

Randy Moss/Wes Welker?

Larry Fitzgerald/Anquan Boldin?

I'd probably take Roy/Calvin over Fitz/Boldin & Marvin/Reggie, but how could he possibly have left out Randy and Wes?

I'd take Fitz and Bolden over Roy and CJ (right now). Our pair might be better by the end of the year, but they might not be too. CJ hasn't proven anything yet.

And I don't think Welker is that great. He's a product of an elite WR opposite him and an elite QB throwing to him. He deserves credit as a great #2 WR, but Roy/CJ, Fitz/Bolden, Chad/TJ are more like having two #1's on the field (also Marvin/Wayne is Marvin is healthy).

If they stop getting hurt, i would take them over and 2 in the league

Here is a list of the cuts

Ron Bellamy, wide receiver, Michigan; Darnell Bing, linebacker, Southern California; Damion Cook, tight end, Bethune-Cookman; Buster Davis, linebacker, Florida State; Frank Davis, guard, Southern Florida; Victor DeGrate, defensive end, Oklahoma State; Dovonte Edwards, cornerback, North Carolina State; Devale Ellis, wide receiver, Hofstra.

Also, Rudolph Hardie defensive end, Howard; Claude Harriott, defensive end, Pittsburgh; Clarke Harris, tight end, Rutgers; Drew Henson, quarterback, Michigan; LeMarcus Hicks, safety, Iowa State; Stephen Howell, cornerback, Richmond; Corey Hulsey, guard, Clemson; Leon Joe, linebacker, Maryland; Brandon Middleton, wide receiver, Houston; Kenneth Moore, wide receiver, Wake Forest; Artose Pinner, running back, Kentucky; Jonathan Scott, offensive tackle, Texas; John Standeford, wide receiver, Purdue; and Kiwaukee Thomas, cornerback, Georgia Southern.

Injured reserve
Brian Calhoun, running back, Wisconsin, and Aveion Cason, running back, Illinois State

IR=Done for the year, right?

If so, that means no Pinner, Calhoun or Cason!

lol

Why in the fuck are we carrying FIVE tight ends???

Gaines, McHugh, FitzSimmons, Campbell, John Owens...

I mean seriously, what the fuck?? Buster Davis, Greg Blue, and John Standerford should've been considered before John fucking Owens.

Ramzee Robinson made the team too. For some reason.

I hope to God we try and sign Rudi Johnson & Willie Anderson. Both of those guys would be solid fits.

Anderson is much better than George Foster, and would be a much better mentor to Gosder as well, having gone to 3 Pro Bowls.

Rudi would be a good Lion.

Washed up and injury prone. Sounds about right.

Did we really keep McHugh too? I thought it was just 4 TE's and thought that was too many considering we only kept 2 tailbacks and 4 receivers.

WTF... yeah that is retarded.... I guess I shouldn't expect anything less.

I think they will definitely sign a RB cut from another team (and then there is Shaun Alexander still).

So wait, does this mean the only RBs we have left are Tatum and Smith?

Yep. And a fullback.

11 D lineman though. I think that's Rod's dream defense, no DBs, no LBs, 11 up front.

Rudi's in Detroit visiting with the Lions

Rudi is a lion. congrats.

Does he have anything left in the tank?

Good signing if he can perform like he did a couple years ago. Only one year deal so no real problem if it doesn't turn out

In the very least he could be a good mentor for Gosder, or even Foster a little bit.

At the very least, Rudi is an upgrade from what TJ Duckett was last year...

Perfect compliment to Kevin Smith, who can't run between the guards.

I like it, provided we cut Tatum Bell. At least he's more complete than Bell.

Didn't the Bengals also cut a solid Guard as well? Wouldn't it be worth it to try to sign him as well?

I like it, provided we cut Tatum Bell. At least he's more complete than Bell.

Bell was indeed cut yesterday.

In the very least he could be a good mentor for Gosder, or even Foster a little bit.

??????

^^I was going to say something, but thought it could have been a joke of some sort. Certainly one I didn't get.

Is this a Rod misspeak or a Killer writing error?


After practice Monday, Lions coach Rod Marinelli said, "I just had a chance to watch him in some drills (during a workout) and he's impressive. He's a big, thick guy who has great feet. I played against him over the years so I know he's a very physical back. He's a guy with a lot of talent and a lot of experience.''

BTW, what's the over/under on false starts from Foster before Cherilus starts?

??????

My thoughts exactly.

Rudi Johnson says he's ready to play
by Tom Kowalski
Tuesday September 02, 2008, 2:56 PM

Rudi Johnson won't proclaim himself the No. 1 running back -- not yet -- but he does say he's fit and ready to play on Sunday.

Johnson, the former Cincinnati Bengals star, was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions on Monday and spent the last 24 hours in the Lions playbook in anticipation for Sunday's opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson said the hamstring injury that limited him in preseason isn't a factor because he was gearing himself toward being completely healthy by opening day.

Rookie Kevin Smith is the current starting running back on the team and Johnson said he's not the one who makes the determination about who is No. 1 and who is No. 2.

"That's for the coaches to decide,'' Johnson said this afternoon. "My main thing is to go out and contribute and make plays and give this team a tough, physical mindset. Right now, I'm behind a little bit as far as the playbook so that's my main focus going into this week.''

Johnson, who said he expects to play this week, signed a one-year contract with the Lions and he knows he's on a one-year audition, not just with the Lions but the rest of the league as well.

"That's what I do, I go out and I work hard. You can check my background, I've always been a hard worker who earns what he gets,'' Johnson said. "This is nothing to me, I've been doing this forever, so for me to go out and earn something, that's what I do and I look forward to doing it.''

As far as the competition with Smith, Johnson -- who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards three times in his career -- said he'll let it play out.

"From now on, whatever happens, happens,'' he said. "I'm just looking to come in and be a big contributor. The main thing is learning and getting ready and I'm a firm believer that if I go out and do my part and do what I'm supposed to do, with the talent I bring to the table, everything will take care of itself. I believe in myself.''

I hope he gets a lot of touches (for selfish reasons, since he's on my fantasy team).

So whats this I hear of Tatum Bell stealing Rudi Johnson's bags?

I heard something about that this morning but didn't catch the whole story - what's up with Bell's cleptomania?

I heard something about that this morning but didn't catch the whole story - what's up with Bell's cleptomania?

Looks like he steals more than paychecks.

ZING!

No idea what I was writing there. I'm pretty sure I'd been drinking and mixed up two players in my head. I've had a lot to drink this weekend since I've been doing a lot of construction for some friends.

Johnson accuses Bell in luggage theft; Bell calls situation misunderstanding
ESPN.com news services

Updated: September 3, 2008, 3:42 PM ET

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Detroit Lions running back Rudi Johnson says his luggage was taken from the team's practice facility by Tatum Bell.

Johnson was waived by Cincinnati, met with Lions president Matt Millen on Monday and signed a free-agent contact. During the meeting, his two duffel bags were taken from the team's headquarters.

Johnson said Wednesday he was shown surveillance footage Tuesday afternoon that captured the theft and told the Detroit Free Press that Bell looked "suspect" on the video.

The empty bags were returned Tuesday evening, but Johnson said he is still missing $200, his ID, credit cards and clothes.

Bell, however, claimed the situation was a misunderstanding. Bell told the Free Press that defensive end Victor DeGrate, whom the Lions released Saturday, had asked Bell to pick up his bags for him. Bell picked up the bags, not realizing they weren't DeGrate's.

"I wasn't thinking or nothing," Bell told the newspaper. "I just grabbed the backpack and grabbed the other bag. They weren't in nobody's locker or nothing like that. They were just sitting there by the computer area right there. I grabbed them and put them in the car.

"They said they got me on film taking the bags. I said, 'If you look on film, I wasn't in no hurry or nothing.' I was just going about my day," he said.

Bell said he delivered the bags to a female friend of DeGrate's without opening them. Bell told the Free Press that he did not have anything of Johnson's and wanted to clear his name.

"I ain't no thief," Bell told the Free Press. "I ain't never been one, and I ain't never going to be one."

Johnson said he had spoken with Bell and did not plan to involve the police. Johnson told the Free Press that he doesn't believe Bell's version of events.

"I tried to talk to Rudi yesterday, but he was pretty upset, so I let it go," Bell told the newspaper. "I come to find out the bags weren't whose I thought they was. It was just an honest mistake."

Johnson replaced Bell on Detroit's 53-man roster.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

- Bullocks has bumped Gerald Alexander out of the starting strong saftey job...

- Dizon will rotate with Lenon now at MLB, Dizon played 14 snaps on Sunday, made 5 tackles, and didn't blow any assignments, that's encouraging if you ask me, if we can move Lenon to strong side, and get Alex Lewis back to the bench, it's going to make us better...

- Bodden has bumped Fisher out of the starting lineup, it was only a matter of time...

- Campbell to IR; Michael Gaines will be new starting TE

- Brandon Middleton signed, he'll probably return punts...

- 1 game and 4 guys have been replaced in the starting lineups...

And they're all on the defensive side. Shocking.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/pgStory?contentId=8546110#sport=NFL&photo=8544100

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/pgStory?contentId=8546110#sport=NFL&photo=8544100
Those don't even seem like they are in order at all. That's the worst ranking I've ever seen.

Cleo Lemon is better than Trent Green?

And Matt Moore is the 16th best backup after being cut last year.

WTF has Quinn done to be in the top 10?

I didn't even check. I just say the worst being Detroits QB and posted it. nuf said.

I'm not sure I'd put us worst. Bottom third, yes. But half that list is QB's that have never thrown an NFL pass.

also Manuel Ramirez is the new starter at right guard, Peterman takes a seat...

I'm not sure I'd put us worst. Bottom third, yes. But half that list is QB's that have never thrown an NFL pass.

But Chris, we suck.

JP Losman is number 2, that guy blows.

He's no Drew Stanton.

Assuming Drew didn't get injured, where do you think he'd be on that list?

I heard a report this morning that the Lions met with both Shaun Alexander (ta da!) and Cedric Benson yesterday.

Random thought:

I wonder when/if the Lions fire Millen, it will be a moment where every Lions fan remembers what they were doing at that time. Similar to the moon landing...

Does anybody else take issue with this:


Quarterback Jon Kitna is aware that a change is possible, but he doesn't believe it should happen.
"I'm all about this team winning. If they feel that's necessary, then so be it. But I don't think I'm the problem.'' Kitna said Tuesday.


A good teammate (even Roy) would put the blame on their own shoulders.

I say trade Roy, start Cherilus (if he isn't already) Stanton and Dizon and try to get some guys playing time. Find out what you have going into next year.

Throw the towel in on this season, play all the young guys to see who's worth keeping around, and scrap everything next year? I'm in.

The problem is that probably dooms Rod. He won't want to do that. I wonder if playing those guys really makes us any worse though. Kitna hasn't done anything. Paris Lennon isn't the greatest thing since sliced bread either.

The problem is that probably dooms Rod. He won't want to do that. I wonder if playing those guys really makes us any worse though. Kitna hasn't done anything. Paris Lennon isn't the greatest thing since sliced bread either.

Marinelli's out anyways.

Any new GM is going to want to bring in his own coach.

Well, I tend to agree but Rod has a shot of keeping his job if the new GM buys into his philosophy (and also believes he can actually instill it).

If nothing else, Rod is coaching for his next job. Either way he needs to win.

Hey did you guys hear Millen was fired today?

Lions' Smith unhappy about losing starting job
by Tom Kowalski
Monday September 29, 2008, 3:36 PM
Rookie running back Kevin Smith has been told that he's lost his starting running back job to veteran Rudi Johnson and Smith isn't happy about it.

"Personally, I don't like it. I think I should be playing a lot more. But it's all about winning,'' Smith said.

"I've got a new attitude. I went home at the break and got a new attitude, I'm just going to get me better. Now I'm going to work on getting myself better every day and try, not the impossible, but I've got the mindset that I'm going to try to hit a home run on every play now. I might only get one carry. If I only get one carry, I've got to make it count.''


In three games this season, Smith had 29 carries for 102 yards (3.5-yard average) and scored one touchdown. Johnson, who was signed at the end of training camp, has 18 carries for 99 yards (5.5-yard average).

"It's nothing against Rudi, he's a good back. If you want to play him, play him,'' Smith said. "But when my number's called, I'm going to perform, bottom line.

"I'm good. I can make as many plays as anybody on this offense. Anybody. We'll see what happens.''

Smith said he's not going to let the demotion get him down.

"I'm not going to lose because I'm not competing. I refuse to let anybody be better than me,'' he said. "You know what the funny thing is? I always start up from the bottom. I did it in high school and when I got to Central Florida. I had to work my way up. The cream of the crop always rises and eventually the story will be told.''

Lions: No calls for Roy Williams
by Tom Kowalski
Monday September 29, 2008, 12:28 PM
UPDATED AT 3:20 p.m.

There has been a good deal of buzz lately about the possibility of the Lions dealing disgruntled receiver Roy Williams prior to the Oct. 14 trade deadline, but apparently none of it is rooted in reality.

Lions chief operating officer Tom Lewand said Monday that no teams have called inquiring about Williams and the Lions don't have any plans of calling and seeking interest in the four-year receiver.


Williams is currently tied for third on the team in receptions with eight, for 113 yards and one touchdown. Williams believes the Lions need to spread out the offense and use more variety in their attack.

"I wouldn't call either. Eight catches, 113 yards and one touchdown - I wouldn't call either,'' said Williams, adding that he isn't surprised by the lack of action. "I heard the buzz in the off-season but I haven't heard anything (recently). That's why it makes it easier for me to concentrate on what we do.''

Williams said he expected to be with the Lions for the remainder of the season.

"I've been expecting to be here. That hasn't changed at all,'' he said.

So Smith lost his starting job, Dizon is completely out of the rotation...thanks for another great draft Millen!


Lions' Dizon out of the MLB rotation

by Tom Kowalski Wednesday October 01, 2008, 4:44 PM


Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli indicated today that rookie second-round pick Jordon Dizon would not be part of a rotation at middle linebacker. Dizon was in for 14 plays in the season opener and was scheduled to share playing time with starter Paris Lenon in the Green Bay Packers game, but it never happened.
During that game, Dizon suffered a minor neck/shoulder injury -- a stinger -- and didn't play in the San Francisco game. Dizon is healthier and is expected to play on special teams if he's active for Sunday's game against Chicago.

Marinelli was vague on exactly why Dizon won't get playing time at middle linebacker, saying that the plan is to go with Lenon right now. It could be that Dizon's injury put him a little behind and it's possible Marinelli just wants to go with a veteran in a situation where the Lions are desperate to get their first win of the season.

Unbelievable. Even Teddy Lehman was able to have one successful season.

I know we gripe about the failure of our 1st rounders (and rightfully so), but our 2nd rounders failure rate may be even worse.

I'll say it again, Dizon's lack of ability to adjust is all because of this stupid Cover 2, Dizon led the entire NCAA in tackles last year, but now since he has to play "pass first" coverage, it takes away his strength which is sniffing out the opponents run game and making tackles.

This scheme has got to go.

Leigh Bodden, arguably one of the top 10 corners in the game, can't even start because he has to play 10 yards off a reciever instead of covering him man for man like he's good at.

What the hell?!?!?

That's not the problem. We need more cuts from Tampa!

I agree, the second and third round pick failures are really what's hurt this team. Every team has some busts in the first, but you need some of those other first day picks to turn into legit starters.

I still want to puke every time I see Brian Calhoun's name.

You might think giving up an NFL worst 37.7 points per game is bad (it is). But look at this number...they give up 207.7 rush yards a game, more than twice the NFL average. Last year they gave up 119 rush yards a game. And the worst last year was Miami at 153 rush yards a game.

In case you are wondering, these are the worst run defenses in history (note the 2006 colts may not be correct as this chart was made midseason). Note: the Lions are currently giving up 5.61 yards per carry good for 3rd worst EVER and worst since 1950.


Worst run defenses in NFL history
YearTeam Record Att. Yards YPA
1934 Cincinnati Reds 0-8 255 1,631 6.40
1950 N.Y. Yanks 7-5 434 2,445 5.63
1950 Colts 1-11 514 2,857 5.56
1959 Redskins 3-9 404 2,214 5.48
1961 Vikings 3-11 493 2,667 5.41
2006 Colts 7-0 219 1,175 5.37
1958 49ers 6-6 380 2,038 5.36
1955 Bears 8-4 398 2,100 5.28
1951 Bears 7-5 372 1,958 5.26
1953 Colts 3-9 445 2,315 5.20
1976 Chiefs 5-9 555 2,861 5.15
1956 Packers 4-8 512 2,619 5.12
1973 Patriots 5-9 560 2,850 5.09
1960 Cowboys 0-11-1 447 2,242 5.02

Edit - The 2006 Colts ended up at 5.3 yards per carry. I couldn't find the most yards allowed in a year, but the Lions are on pace for 3312 yards allowed which is 500 more than anyone on this list.

Kitna questionable; Orlovsky, Stanton split reps

by Tom Kowalski Wednesday October 08, 2008, 2:19 PM


Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna missed Wednesday's practice and his status for Sunday's game against the Vikings is questionable. (The Lions don't have to make an official declaration of his status until Friday afternoon.)
Kitna left last week's game with back spasms, something he's had before. The problem must not have improved since Monday because the team sent Kitna for an MRI today.
Meanwhile, backup Dan Orlovsky and No. 3 QB Drew Stanton split the reps at practice today. Orlovsky is still hobbled with knee and ankle injuries but he said he'll be ready to play Sunday if needed.

It's official: Lions game will be blacked out
by Tom Kowalski
Thursday October 23, 2008, 12:38 PM
After selling out the first 50 games at Ford Field, which opened in 2002, the streak is over.

With about 5,000 tickets still remaining by the blackout deadline (1 p.m. today), the Detroit Lions' game against the Washington Redskins on Sunday will endure a local television blackout. The NFL did not grant a 24-hour extension to the Lions because they were not close to achieving the sellout.

While the Lions could technically still continue their sellout streak by selling the remaining tickets by kickoff on Sunday, it will have no effect on the blackout.




can't believe it took this long

That removes any temptation I had of turning the game on.

This is great news!

can't believe it took this long

Detroit is just catching up with the rest of the country (watching a real football game instead).

BTW, what replaces it on Fox? The NFC game everyone else is watching, or do they get some other crap programming?

I like CBS's games better than Fox's. Hopefully they'll air one during the Lions game.

can't believe it took this long

TWSS

^Smooth

Danny O's thumb might be fucked up.

Stanton or DC?

I'm sure Culpepper will get the nod...

I'm sure Culpepper will get the nod...


Correct. We don't want to embarrass the kid

Culpepper to start for Lions on Sunday?
by Tom Kowalski | Opinion
Monday November 03, 2008, 3:12 PM

Every indication is that free agent QB Daunte Culpepper -- who hasn't even officially signed a contract yet -- will be the Lions' starting quarterback on Sunday against Jacksonville.

QB Dan Orlovsky, who started the last four games, was sporting on removable hard cast on his right hand on Monday. When asked if he expects to practice on Wednesday, Orlovsky said "We'll see on Wednesday.''

That's not a typical answer from the normally cocky and confident Orlovsky. I was expecting an answer like "I fully expect to practice Wednesday.''

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports is reporting that Orlovsky could miss several weeks with the injury.


Orlovsky said he sprained his thumb on the first play of the game and it was painful the rest of the way -- he threw a total of 47 passes in the game. Orlovsky said he didn't think it limited his play, but he said he took a pain pill during the game because of the discomfort.

It's my belief that the Lions know Orlovsky won't play this week and are playing games with the media because they don't want the Jaguars to know exactly who is going to start on Sunday -- teams put together their weekly game plans on Tuesday and the Lions don't want to give the Jaguars a head start.

Even if Orlovsky is healthy enough to play, on Monday head coach Rod Marinelli sounded like a guy who was eager to get Culpepper in the lineup as soon as possible. Culpepper is familiar with Detroit's schemes because it's the same three-digit passing system the Vikings used when Culpepper played there for seven years.

Marinelli said he would give the majority of snaps this week (beginning on Wednesday) to the player he thought would be starting on Sunday, but also said he wouldn't reveal that information to the public. With it looking unlikely that Orlovsky will be that guy -- and the fact the coaches don't have enough confidence in Drew Stanton -- it appears the Lions will be counting on Culpepper to be ready for Sunday's game.

Culpepper was at the team's practice facility at Allen Park this afternoon and he's expected to sign his two-year deal later today or tomorrow. The Lions is expected to officially announce the signing at some point on Tuesday.

The Lions signing Culpepper just got trumped by Joe Dumars.

Michigan Law: The Michigan State Police are cracking down on speeders heading into Detroit.
> For the first offense, they give you two Detroit Lions tickets. If you get stopped a second time, they make you use them.
>
>
Q. What do you call 47 millionaires around a TV watching the Super Bowl? A. The Detroit Lions.
Q. What do the Detroit Lions and Billy Graham have in common? A. They both can make 70,000 people stand up and yell 'Jesus Christ'.
Q. How do you keep the Detroit Lions out of your yard? A. Put up a goal post.
Q. Where do you go in Detroit in case of a tornado? A. To the Detroit Lions Stadium - they never have a touchdown there!
Q. What do you call a Detroit Lion with a Super Bowl ring? A. A thief.
Q. What's the difference between the Detroit Lions and a dollar bill? A. You can still get four quarters out of a dollar bill.
Q. How many Detroit Lions does it take to win a Super Bowl? A. Nobody knows and we may never find out.
Q. What do the Detroit Lions and a possums have in common? A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road.
Tawas

Lions to start QB Culpepper for 2nd straight week
11/12/2008, 4:20 p.m. EST
The Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Lions are going to start Daunte Culpepper for the second straight week.

Coach Rod Marinelli confirmed his plans Wednesday, saying Culpepper would be the No. 1 quarterback on the road against the Carolina Panthers.

Culpepper was 5-of-10 for 104 yards in his Detroit debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He signed a two-year deal last week, ending his brief retirement after making 11 lackluster appearances the previous two seasons for Oakland and Miami. A knee injury stunted his stellar career three years ago in Minnesota.

The Lions (0-9) are two-touchdown underdogs against the NFC South-leading Panthers (7-2).

I thought DC did an ok job. The first possesh the db made a good play on a decent pass for the pick. Then he took us down the field twice, iirc.

That said, I'd rather see Stanton get some time.

The Leo's claimed WR Adam Jennings off waivers today from Atlanta.

Drew Henson got walking papers.

The Lions signed Saginaw's Stuart Schweigert yesterday.

http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C4&Date=20081120&Category=SPORTS01&ArtNo=81120016&Ref=AR&Profile=1048&MaxW=320&Border=0

oh the places you will go

I think we signed Leigh Bodden to an extension today, though I don't care enough to make sure.

^^Bodden got a 4 year extension...in July.

Lol, oh. Well someone over at footballsfuture.com posted that today, so, I thought I'd post it here. Maybe next time I'll find out before I post.

Lol, oh. Well someone over at footballsfuture.com posted that today, so, I thought I'd post it here. Maybe next time I'll find out before I post.

But you probably won't, and I admire that about you.

You're right, I probably won't.

This week's #2 QB for your Detroit Lions...


Drew Henson.

Not Stanton?

Concussion. I didn't know Drew Stanton could get injured...

I thought he was made of steel and brawn...

The Detroit Lions played so poorly on defense against Tennessee that they looked like they were playing flag football. I mean, Chris Johnson ran free so many times that he was looking around for someone to tackle him. Very few Lions were close. The Lions were pathetic.

As of right now, Daunte Culpepper is the starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions and will face one of his former teams, the Minnesota Vikings, on Sunday at Ford Field.

Could all of that change Wednesday?

Quarterback Dan Orlovsky, who has been sidelined with a fractured right thumb for the past four games, could be given clearance to practice then and play Sunday. When asked Monday if that meant a change at quarterback might take place, Marinelli dodged the question.

"He'll go in and see the trainer and see how it all works out," Marinelli said. "We've just got to see (how) close (he) is."

Orlovsky didn't practice Monday, but he did some throwing in individual drills and on the side. Orlovsky threw everything from short passes to airing it out on deeper routes with plenty of zip on the ball.

"I threw today and it was fine," said Orlovsky, who saw a hand specialist last week. "He said everything was healing fine."

Orlovsky said the Lions training staff will see how his thumb reacts today and if there are any setbacks. Then, on Wednesday, he'll visit the medical staff again and a decision will be made on whether he can play Sunday.

"If I can do something to make (the thumb) worse, I'm not going to play. I'm not going to be stupid about it. We'll have to wait and see on Wednesday," Orlovsky said.

If Orlovsky is cleared to play, does he expect to start against the Vikings?

"That's a coaching decision. We'll have to wait and see," Orlovsky said.

Orlovsky and Culpepper each have started four games this season. While Culpepper has committed seven turnovers, Orlovsky has just two, and both were interceptions that he threw in his most recent game after injuring his thumb. Culpepper has fumbled once and thrown six interceptions, including two that were returned for touchdowns.

When asked about his team's 47-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Thanksgiving, Marinelli said, "We were beaten soundly. We made mistakes, but what compounded it was the turnovers. We turned the ball over three times, and that's going to take a really good team and make it look worse.

"That's a very good team. Could we have played better? No doubt. Ball security would've helped us, (elimination of) some of the penalties would've helped us, but we didn't help ourselves."

Orlovsky also has an edge over Culpepper because he's been in the offense for three years, while Culpepper was signed just a month ago. Last week, Lions offensive coordinator Jim Colletto said the Lions were "limited" because Culpepper still is learning the system.

Who would you rather have starting for us?

I actually enjoyed seeing Henson get a series.

Kowalski

Martin Mayhew might not be here in late April when the Detroit Lions enter one of their most important college drafts in years, but he will still have a profound impact on the draft.

The future for the Lions' interim general manager is uncertain, and a decision is expected in January. However, the most crucial draft information is being gathered now in anticipation of the final draft process that will begin in late February with the scouting combine in Indianapolis.

NFL scouts glean their most useful nuggets of material on college players from September to December and into the bowl season.

During the season, the scouts don't just go to the games, but they go to the schools, watch film and talk to people associated with the program.

This is where the scouting reports are first built and organized. Much is to be learned by watching the film and the games, but scouts are looking for the inside scoop on those who pay attention in meetings, or those who avoid the weight room or cut corners in practice.

Mayhew has tweaked this phase in the organization.

The Lions have made no changes to their scouting staff, but have adjusted how the department collects and processes information on players. (Mayhew denied a request for an interview.)

What's interesting is that Mayhew isn't just issuing the marching orders, he's doing a lot of the legwork himself. While he's not doing the job of the scouts on the ground, he has been visiting a lot of schools and getting a first-hand look at some of the college players.

According to two different Lions officials, Mayhew has done more in-season traveling this year than former president Matt Millen did in his seven years on the job combined.

This is a vitally important draft for the Lions for three significant reasons.

One, it's going to be the first major influx of talent for the new regime (and it still will be a new regime even if Mayhew gets the job). Two, the Lions likely will have the top pick in the draft and a total of four choices in the top 65. Third, this is expected to be one of the deepest and most talent-laden drafts, possibly ever.

The reason for the high volume of talent is because of the NFL's labor situation. Agents and representatives are getting the word out to underclassmen that they'd better declare for the draft now because if there's a new collective bargaining agreement in 2010, there is likely to be a severe rookie cap.

It's also possible that free agency, whether there's a new agreement or not, will be extended beyond the current four years. The sooner a player comes out, the quicker he'll reach unrestricted free agency and have a better opportunity to cash in.

So this could basically be a double-draft class at all positions while the 2010 draft could be extremely thin -- another reason why the Lions must strike it rich now.

The Lions already have eight picks this year and they're hoping to get another one: a possible mid-round compensatory pick for losing free agents, most notably tackle Damien Woody to the New York Jets.

One of Detroit's picks is a third-rounder they got from the Dallas Cowboys for receiver Roy Williams. If the Cowboys fail to make the playoffs, the Lions will have five picks in the top 85.

By making the right moves in the draft, the Lions could get well in a hurry just like the Atlanta Falcons did this season.

But before they can make the right picks, they've got to have the right information. That's why, whether he's here or not, Mayhew is going to play a big role in the Lions' future.

Does this make anyone else nervous?

And I really hope they do put a cap on rookie contracts. They are insane right now. Its ridiculous how much these top rookies are getting paid before they ever prove themselves in the league.

Nothing in that article makes me nervous, but good information regardless. What makes me nervous is who is making the selections (unknown at this point).

Im still deciding if Im more impressed with how hard Mayhew is working or disgusted with how little Millen did

The Lions front office is probably floating this stuff to justify hiring Mayhew (at a budget price, of course).

Looks like Dan-O is still out, Dante still starting, oh and this:


Rookies Avril, Fluellen could start for Lions

by Tom Kowalski Wednesday December 03, 2008, 2:24 PM


ALLEN PARK -- Rookie defensive ends Cliff Avril and Andre Fluellen -- a pair of third-round picks -- could be in the starting lineup Sunday against the Vikings. Lions coach Rod Marinelli said that's the direction he's leaning in because of injuries to starters Dewayne White (calf) and Jared DeVries (hand/IR).
Avril is going to have his hands full trying to get past left tackle Bryant McKinnie while Fluellen will be battling three-year veteran Ryan Cook. This would be Avril's first start while Fluellen started last week against the Tennessee Titans.

good thing we reached for Hawaii five-oh

Updated numbers:

33 PPG given up
177 rush yards per game
5.1 yards per carry
2123 yards given up (on pace for 2832)

Looks like we're no longer going to be the worst defense ever!

Too bad none of those teams finished 0-16.


You might think giving up an NFL worst 37.7 points per game is bad (it is). But look at this number...they give up 207.7 rush yards a game, more than twice the NFL average. Last year they gave up 119 rush yards a game. And the worst last year was Miami at 153 rush yards a game.

In case you are wondering, these are the worst run defenses in history (note the 2006 colts may not be correct as this chart was made midseason). Note: the Lions are currently giving up 5.61 yards per carry good for 3rd worst EVER and worst since 1950.


Worst run defenses in NFL history
YearTeam Record Att. Yards YPA
1934 Cincinnati Reds 0-8 255 1,631 6.40
1950 N.Y. Yanks 7-5 434 2,445 5.63
1950 Colts 1-11 514 2,857 5.56
1959 Redskins 3-9 404 2,214 5.48
1961 Vikings 3-11 493 2,667 5.41
2006 Colts 7-0 219 1,175 5.37
1958 49ers 6-6 380 2,038 5.36
1955 Bears 8-4 398 2,100 5.28
1951 Bears 7-5 372 1,958 5.26
1953 Colts 3-9 445 2,315 5.20
1976 Chiefs 5-9 555 2,861 5.15
1956 Packers 4-8 512 2,619 5.12
1973 Patriots 5-9 560 2,850 5.09
1960 Cowboys 0-11-1 447 2,242 5.02

Edit - The 2006 Colts ended up at 5.3 yards per carry. I couldn't find the most yards allowed in a year, but the Lions are on pace for 3312 yards allowed which is 500 more than anyone on this list.

What's funny is how we have 4 INT the entire year. I remember last year in a game Vs. Chicago, we had 4 INT in one half.

Part of running in the 'Tampa Two' is supposed to be the opportunity for takeaways, where the hell have those been?

And that's probably one of our deepest positions (if not the deepest).

Bodden, Kelly, Smith, Fisher, Wilson

That group has 1 INT (Bodden) combined.

No pro bowlers, but I challenge you to find a deeper position on this team. (WR when we started the year maybe).

Bodden, Kelly, Smith, Fisher, Wilson

That group has 1 INT (Bodden) combined.



Alexander, Bullocks, & Pearson, combined have zero as well.

we have 2 INT's by D-Linemen (White & C. Smith) and 1 by LB (Nece)


God Almighty...

Alexander, Bullocks, & Pearson, combined have zero as well.

we have 2 INT's by D-Linemen (White & C. Smith) and 1 by LB (Nece)


God Almighty...
Peyton Manning & Drew Brees =[smilie=master_emot:
not together

Looks like nobody can explain the CB rotation...


Brian Kelly never stepped on field for Lions

by Tom Kowalski Monday December 08, 2008, 3:47 PM


One of the more interesting developments in Detroit's 20-16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings was the benching of veteran cornerback Brian Kelly -- and what his future is for the rest of the season. According to the official gamebook, Kelly was listed as a starting cornerback, but the Lions have just confirmed that Kelly never took part in the game.
Teams generally announce their lineup changes 90 minutes before the game, after informing league officials of their inactive list. The Lions did announce a couple of changes, but Kelly's demotion wasn't mentioned. Travis Fisher started in place of Kelly and, when Fisher got hurt early in the fourth quarter, the Lions opted to play second-year player Ramzee Robinson instead of Kelly.
Neither Kelly or Lions head coach Rod Marinelli was willing to clarify the situation.

Kelly said he wouldn't have any comment about the benching while Marinelli dodged the issue by talking about Detroit's three-safety formation -- which had nothing to do with the cornerbacks.
With Keith Smith (groin) expected to practice on Wednesday and possibly be ready for Sunday's game against the Colts, it's possible that Kelly will find himself further down the depth chart. Or he could be back in the starting lineup. Earlier this season, Kelly was benched (but played) against San Francisco and was then benched for the entire game a week later against the Bears. After that, though, Kelly started the next eight games at cornerback.
Stay tuned.

Anyone think they can take Raiola (aside from off the snap)?



Raiola: No apologies for response to heckling fans

BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • December 9, 2008

Dominic Raiola is sick of losing and taking abuse from fans.

He has been criticized for flipping off hecklers at Ford Field during Sunday's 20-16 loss to Minnesota, which sunk the Lions to 0-13 for the first time in team history.

But asked if he regretted giving the fans the business, he said he didn't.

"I don't take one thing back," Raiola said Monday. "I'll say the same thing to a fan that I see in the street. I wish I could give my address out to some fans. I'll do that.

"But, you know, I can't. Nobody plays with fists. Everybody wants to play with metal. So I can't.

"I'm so frustrated. I'm tired of being a doormat for people to just talk to us how they want to talk to us. I'm just not going to put up with it anymore."

NFL spokesman Randall Liu told the Associated Press the league is looking into Sunday's incident. Players have been fined for such gestures.

Raiola and Jeff Backus have been here from the beginning. The offensive linemen were the first two players Matt Millen drafted after he became the Lions' president in 2001.

They have seen and heard a lot of things as the Lions have gone an NFL-worst 31-94 in their eight seasons. But they have never experienced the fan reactions they have this season.

One fan got Backus' cell phone number and left him messages.

"In eight years and the ups and downs we've gone through, that's the first time that's happened," Backus said.

Backus said he "had it handled" and the messages were "not threatening. But it's not just about football. He's talking about me personally. I'm not going to get into it more than that."

Heckling is an ancient art, and fans have been reacting to the Lions' losing for years. The Lions asked a fan to leave training camp this year after he yelled at wide receiver Roy Williams, whom they later traded to Dallas.

But now frustration has reached a new level, and at Ford Field, the apathy of some fans has helped highlight the anger of others.

"Over the last five weeks, I've definitely heard things that I've never heard before," Backus said. "Part of it is how quiet the stadium is. Seriously, you can hear individuals yelling at you. It doesn't all blend into just a roar."

Raiola and Backus hear their fair share.

"It's coming at me because I've been here eight years," Raiola said. "I've been through the losing. Me, Jeff and whoever else are the head of the losing. So that's who it's coming at."

"If for no other reason than just name recognition," Backus said, "we get a lot of it."

But Raiola and Backus have different personalities and handle things differently. Raiola has often mixed it up with fans.

"Dom's a lot more emotional guy," Backus said. "I've always been a pretty quiet, reserved guy. For guys with emotions like Dominic, it's even harder to not get into it."

Raiola acknowledged the fans are paying customers and the Lions' job is to give them something to cheer. But he said he is not going to put up with fans counting them out from the beginning of the game and telling them how bad they are.

"Yeah, it's gotten worse, and that's expected," Raiola said. "But when you don't know what you're talking about and you're yelling at a particular person, I'm going to fire back. You can call me 'rabbit ears' or whatever you want to call me, but I'm going to fire back and I'm going to still play my game on the field."

Backus chooses to keep quiet.

"If we were winning games and having a positive season, we wouldn't have to deal with it," Backus said. "But we're dealing with it, and we'll do our best to stay professional and handle it that way. ...

"Nobody's pouting and (complaining) about it. That's just the way it is."

Alex Lewis placed on IR...Darnell Bing signed from the practice squad...

Culpepper has a hurt shoulder per ESPN.


Detroit quarterback Daunte Culpepper was not in drills open to the media Wednesday, adding to doubt his shoulder will be healthy enough to play for the winless Lions at Indianapolis.

Culpepper stretched, then left the field and had to avoid a blocking sled a teammate was hitting toward him.

He had an MRI exam on his shoulder Monday, a day after being hurt in a loss to Minnesota.

Drew Henson, Drew Stanton and Dan Orlovsky participated in drills led by quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler. Orlovsky has been out for a month with an injured wrist and Stanton has been sidelined for two weeks with a concussion.

The Lions (0-13) seem destined to be the NFL's first 0-16 team, closing against the Colts, New Orleans and Green Bay.

Well, I guess Orlovsky will be jumping right back into his starting role.

I wonder how many QB's have started under center for us during the Millen era (this year still counts because we don't have a new GM yet).

Let's try and count:

Charlie Batch
Mike McMahon
Ty Detmer
Joey Harrington
Jeff Garcia
John Kitna
Dan Orlovsky
Daunte Culpepper

I know I have to be missing someone.

Did O Sullivan start at all?

Only in the preseason.

Yeah, the last few years Kitna had started every game until being put in IR.

You know what's sad? In my lifetime, the best Detroit Lions quarterback was Charlie Batch.

You know what's sad? In my lifetime, the best Detroit Lions quarterback was Charlie Batch.

True... :(

In my lifetime the best Lions QB has been Eric Kramer.

In my lifetime the best Lions QB has been Eric Kramer.

Yeah. I hated when Pete and Ware got PT over him. Those two were junk compared to Kramer.

He quarterbacked the greatest Lions victory and greatest Lions moment of my lifetime. He destroyed the Cowboys that day. He threw to 289 different receivers and one guy in the stands (CBS was having so much fun with his game they actually put that throw in the stands in the statistics of the game). I'll never forget Madden gushing about how loud the fans at the Silverdome were and how they were living proof that emotion is not dead in football.

It was even Fontes best day ever coaching and if he'd thought about the win and the ass whipping we were handed the next week at RFK, he would have scrapped that damn Run and Shit, brought in a blocking back and a couple of tight ends and run some version of Walsh's offense (in honor of SI's Dr. Z I never call it the West Coast offense either) based on Barry and Kramer's short passing game.

Edit: I get WAY too emotional every time I think of this. I have no doubt the Lions would have been great for a couple of years even with Fontes coaching if they had realized that.

He quarterbacked the greatest Lions victory and greatest Lions moment of my lifetime. He destroyed the Cowboys that day. He threw to 289 different receivers and one guy in the stands (CBS was having so much fun with his game they actually put that throw in the stands in the statistics of the game). I'll never forget Madden gushing about how loud the fans at the Silverdome were and how they were living proof that emotion is not dead in football.

.


I was there, it was so loud you couldn't talk to the guy next to you. I know that is a figure of speech, but I really couldn't hear my dad. I just quit trying to communicate with words.

Nice one.

I was supposed to go the game and drive back to school the next day and miss that days classes. Problem was that I had already promised two friends that I'd drive them back with me, and one already had her plane ticket from Chicago.

So mid-way in the trip, somewhere in upstate New York, I stopped at a bar (it was a Ground Round, remember those) to watch the game. The place was packed and, of course, everyone was a Cowboys fan. They were giving me some good natured shit right at the start of the game but pretty soon they realized that the impossible was happening. I had a lot of beers on the house that day.

I forgot about Kramer. I was pretty young when he played. Nonetheless, I remember the Lions victory that day.

Batch wasn't great, but he wasn't TERRIBLE when actually given time to make decisions. He's proved that at Pitt but at this point he's too banged up to ever do anything better than stopgap QB. He could have been a decent starter in this league if he'd had some time to develop as a QB and then some time to actually throw the damn ball.

Orlovsky will start for Lions against Indianapolis
by Tom Kowalski
Thursday December 11, 2008, 2:15 PM
ALLEN PARK -- With Daunte Culpepper (shoulder) missing his second straight day of practice, Lions coach Rod Marinelli said today that Dan Orlovsky would start against the Colts on Sunday.

Orlovsky, who has missed the last five weeks with a broken right thumb, said his thumb is feeling fine and shouldn't be an issue during the game.

Orlovsky was very upset at some of his throws during individual drills today but said that wasn't because of his thumb, but because of his setup on a certain route. Drew Stanton will be Orlovsky's backup and Marinelli said that if Orlovsky is ineffective or aggravates his thumb injury, he wouldn't hesitate going to Stanton.



Bypassed Lions QB Stanton tries to stay positive
by Tom Kowalski
Thursday December 11, 2008, 2:55 PM
ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton said he wasn't given an explanation for why Dan Orlovsky, who has been out for five week with a broken right thumb, was chosen to be the Lions starting quarterback for Sunday.

Stanton, who missed the last two games because of a concussion, is the healthiest of the Lions' quarterbacks.

"It's one of those things that you want to play and you get ready but I'm not the one making those decisions,'' Stanton said Thursday. "They decided to go with Dan and haven't really explained why but that's just kind of the nature of the business.


"It's hard to say what's going on, but that's the decision they made. All I can do is try to support Dan and help this team in any way possible.''

Lions head coach Rod Marinelli said that if Orlovsky is ineffective or aggravates his thumb injury, he won't have any reservations about putting Stanton in the game.

In the meantime, Stanton said he's going to be patient and he's not looking to get out of town.

"I like being here, I love being in the city of Detroit and I want to be here for a long time. When I showed up two years ago, I said I wanted to be part of the solution and I'm still determined to do that,'' Stanton said. "I'd like to think they drafted me in the second round for a reason.''



yeah, you'd like to think so......

And that reason is that the GM was a dumbass.

Same reason we reached for Francis (and probably Dizon) too.

LOL@Dante:


Tom Kowalski's 'The Point After': Lions may avoid paying Culpepper $1 million bonus

by James Schmehl | MLive.com Friday December 12, 2008, 1:31 AM


It may not be as legendary as the 1985 NBA Draft Lottery conspiracy, but Lions insider Tom Kowalski has constructed a theory that might make Daunte Culpepper second-guess coming out of retirement.
Culpepper is two touchdowns and two games away from earning an additional $1 million in bonuses, but Kowalski told WDFN-AM Detroit (http://www.wdfn.com/), his chances of cashing the seven-figure check are about as likely as the winless Lions winning a game this season.
Detroit signed Culpepper to the veteran's minimum ($730,000) without a roster guarantee late this season, but offered the three-time Pro Bowler $1 million in incentive bonuses. According to Kowalski, Culpepper, who has served as his own agent since leaving Minnesota, only needs to meet one of five goals in order to claim his cash prize.
Three of Culpepper's incentives are far from being met, however, the veteran quarterback is close to meeting two goals, which include throwing at least six touchdown passes or playing at least 40 percent of Detroit's offensive plays.
Culpepper, 31, has thrown for four touchdown passes and has started five games for the Lions this season.
"If he plays the final two games, that's seven starts and guess what? That gets him over 40 percent," Kowalski said during his weekly hour-long show, The Point After. "If he does play again, it looks like he'll have a shot to make those incentives."
Lions coach Rod Marinelli named Dan Orlovsky, who has missed the last five weeks with a broken right thumb, as Sunday's starter against the Colts.
Culpepper, who has thrown six interceptions and fumbled five times this season, missed his second straight day of practice on Wednesday to nurse a shoulder injury.
"I think now the (Lions) are saying, 'Maybe he's not the guy for next year, so if we're going to go in a different direction, why pay this guy $1 million as a party gift?'" Kowalski said.

"party gift"

lol

I saw that too. LOL@Killer.

Redding placed on IR

Langston Moore re-signed

as if our Rush d wasn't bad enough...

like it matters. we weren't getting sacks before anyway. it will simply allow them to blow us out that much faster.

* Shaun McDonald placed on IR
* Dwight Smith placed on IR (what a great FA signing he was)
* Keith Smith placed on IR


* LaMarcus Hicks activated from practice squad
* WR Travis Taylor (former 1st rd bust), signed to a contract
* some DB I've never heard of was also signed

Taylor's signing means we now have 2 members of the Vikings Loveboat scandal.

I'm pretty sure I'm next in line for a contract should anybody else be placed on IR.

No Lions made the Pro Bowl. I know it's shocking.

However, how can anyone be more impressive than Hanson this year? He is 8/8 from 50+. Carney made it and hasn't even attempted a FG in the 50+ yard range.

Hanson is first alternate.

Calvin Johnson is second alternate.

Calvin is all :we: have now at WR:


Receiver Shaun McDonald (ankle), safety Dwight Smith (ankle) and cornerback Keith Smith (groin) have all been lost for the season. The Lions replaced them on the roster by signing free agent receiver Travis Taylor and promoting safety LaMarcus Hicks and cornerback Chris Roberson from the practice squad.

Offensively, the Lions' receiving corps now features Calvin Johnson, a second-year player, and four guys who signed during the season. The Lions cannot use their four-receiver formation in games because they don't have enough receivers who know the offense.
Still not as bad as "my" Broncos are at RB (with 5 RBs on IR).

Calvin is all :we: have now at WR:


Still not as bad as "my" Broncos are at RB (with 5 RBs on IR).


Hillis, Pittman, Torain, Hall, and who else?

Anthony Aldrige. Not a household name, but all of those were ahead of Hillis on the depth chart. And Young was hurt for over a month too.

Lions' Marinelli won't accept Parker's apology

by Tom Kowalski Monday December 22, 2008, 2:45 PM




Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli said today that he wants no part of any type of apology from Detroit News columnist Rob Parker.
After Detroit's 42-7 loss to the Saints on Sunday, Parker spent several minutes grilling Marinelli about the performance of his defensive coordinator -- and son-in-law -- Joe Barry and why Barry wasn't fired for the team's poor defensive production. After the often-intense exchange, Parker said, "On a lighter note -- do you wish your daughter had married a better defensive coordinator?''
Marinelli didn't respond at that time, but he addressed the situation today.
"Anytime you attack my daughter, I've got a problem with that. In a room of stink ... and as a man and it was premeditated. I think there was something wrong with that, yeah.''
When asked if Parker had crossed the line, Marinelli said, "Big time."
Marinelli refused to address two questions about what he meant by "room of stink.''
"I'll leave it at that,'' he said, adding that he had not talked to Parker and had no desire to do so.
On why he didn't immediately respond to Parker's question, Marinelli said: "I just don't think that's the right stage for that. To me, it's not. It's the wrong stage for the game of football and for me to even react to something like that, on a stage about football -- it's a kid's game, it's for the kids. It's wrong.''
When asked about Parker's apology column (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081222/OPINION03/812220369/1126/SPORTS0101), Marinelli said: "I didn't read it, but I was told a little bit about it. I don't accept anything. There are so many times people will say ... I had an assistant coach (Jim Colletto) one time make a remark with you guys that he didn't want to embarrass a player (Drew Stanton), did he take that remark back? Would you guys let him? No, you went from our practice field and ran to the locker room and put a microphone in front of the player -- and (the coach) didn't mean it that way. Do you remember that? To me, this is worse. Because his intent was to stir me up which is never going to happen. I can shoulder anything you bring. Easy. I can shoulder anything you bring.''

Fuck'n A right Marinelli.

BTW...Parker prolly helped RM keep his job. Frickin douchemeister.

If you disregard who actually said it, it's a pretty funny line, actually, IMO, AFAICT, LOL.

I agree.

I think reporters should just stop asking Rod questions. It would be funnier to see him at a news conference with zero questions asked.