Glenn
09-13-2006, 07:56 AM
http://www.mlive.com/lions/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_lions/archives/2006_09.html#182494
Kowalski Kowality
Why Az Hakim was signed
The decision to sign Az Hakim -- and give the team seven receivers and just four running backs on the roster -- was based on several factors.
One, the Lions had been in discussions with Hakim for awhile. They wanted him back but, because he's a vested veteran, they didn't want to sign him before the start of the regular season (and give him a guaranteed contract for the year). Because they waited, the Lions will pay him on game-by-game basis.
Two, the Lions receivers did such a lousy job of everything on Sunday, Hakim's name moved to the top of the short list. Hakim spent several years in Mike Martz's offense and knows the system.
Three, the Lions could use a backup return man, but that doesn't mean Hakim will be active for the Chicago game. If something happens to Eddie Drummond, the Lions feel comfortable with Brian Calhoun returning kickoffs and Dre Bly returning punts.
Four, because Shawn Bryson can play both tailback and fullback, the Lions don't believe they're short in the backfield.
Finally, don't assume the signing of Hakim has pushed Mike Williams further down the depth chart. The Lions have been encouraged by his progress, but there's no telling when, of if, he'll be involved in the game plans.
Kowalski Kowality
Why Az Hakim was signed
The decision to sign Az Hakim -- and give the team seven receivers and just four running backs on the roster -- was based on several factors.
One, the Lions had been in discussions with Hakim for awhile. They wanted him back but, because he's a vested veteran, they didn't want to sign him before the start of the regular season (and give him a guaranteed contract for the year). Because they waited, the Lions will pay him on game-by-game basis.
Two, the Lions receivers did such a lousy job of everything on Sunday, Hakim's name moved to the top of the short list. Hakim spent several years in Mike Martz's offense and knows the system.
Three, the Lions could use a backup return man, but that doesn't mean Hakim will be active for the Chicago game. If something happens to Eddie Drummond, the Lions feel comfortable with Brian Calhoun returning kickoffs and Dre Bly returning punts.
Four, because Shawn Bryson can play both tailback and fullback, the Lions don't believe they're short in the backfield.
Finally, don't assume the signing of Hakim has pushed Mike Williams further down the depth chart. The Lions have been encouraged by his progress, but there's no telling when, of if, he'll be involved in the game plans.