Are you going to step down as president of the Detroit Lions? Matt Millen was asked that question following the Lions embarrassing loss to the Arizona Cardinals Sunday. His answer: "Don't even ask that." I do not know what world Matt Millen thinks we all live in. But it, evidently, is not the world in which he resides. How can we not ask that question? After all these years. After all those losses. Everything about the Lions centers on that question. It would be different if they had a young nucleus like, say, the Cardinals with their first-round draft pick rookie quarterback, star running back and corps of talented and young receivers. But there is nothing like that. The Lions have Kevin Jones and Roy Williams - and little else. Every year, the Lions are picking low in the NFL Draft, and it does not matter. Every other year, Millen changes the head coach. It does not matter. The franchise was underperforming before he got here, but Millen has taken the Lions to extraordinary depths. And there are no signs of progress. Zero. Sorry Matt, but the question begs to be asked. These people who buy tickets, and stick with your sorry sack team and dysfunctional organization through only thin, deserve better than one of your typically pompous answers to such an obvious question.
Random thoughts
- If Michigan played Ohio State 10 times, the Buckeyes would, in my opinion, win eight. The only reason that game Saturday was somewhat close was because of errors Ohio State made. Troy Smith has had his way with the Wolverines three straight times. What would make anybody think it would be different a fourth time? Having said that, I would like to see the rematch, but only if USC, Florida and Arkansas all have more than one loss. The television folks want to see Notre Dame face Ohio State. If that happens, it would be a travesty.
- Alfonsio Soriano will play at least 99 games next season in bandbox ball parks such Wrigley Field and those in Houston and Cincinnati. As such, it would not surprise me if he hits 55 home runs next season.
- Rod Marinelli is delusional if he really believes the Lions problem is closing games. Come on, they were down 17-3 for most of the second half Sunday. The week before, the 49ers held the lead from start-to-finish. His team is just not very good. And, evidently, he is not much of a coach, either.
RSS
12 Comments:
Pat, I have been wondering what you would write this morning.
You are right about Ohio State and Michigan. As much as would I like to have seen Michigan win, it was obvious that Ohio State was just a better team.
The Lions. This is like deja vu all over again for the last 30+ years. Nothing has changed and nothing will. Bill Ford is an idiot obviously - everyone can see that. It is sad to see 20 and 30 something fans get exicted about the Lions over the smallest things. Get a second team and follow them.
Thanks and cheers,
Danny
I am putting a beg out to Michigan. I know sports talk radio needs it, but can we not talk lions for the rest of the year. We only have a five more weeks to go or so. The Arizona Cardinals kicked our tails. A 1-8 team. There is no other excuse except they Suck. Notice on TV how they don't even show Millens sorry face. They put stinking McCown in at receiver over Mike WIlliams. If that doesn't say Joke I don't know what does.
I would personally rather debate the BCS and a need for a playoff at least all the 1 lost teams that feel they deserve to be in the picture.
I say michigan deserves it because they lost to OSU the number 1 team by only 3, scored 39 points on at the shoe which as you can say by watching the field conditions played a major role. USC lost to who was it Oregon St. NOtre Dame got destroyed by Michigan at home. It can't be Arkansas they lost to USC. So in my mind there isn't much debate. If USC were to convince them of a shot they'd have to win handly over the Irish and UCLA. Just my opinion.
On that same note I agree about OSU. Troy Smith is that good. I'd love the lions to draft him and destroy his career. Actaully I think he be a great QB to groom in Martz system and take over. The kid is everything Mike Vic should be at this level. He has a gun for an arm, he is very mobile, and most importantly he can throw in the pocket.
Pat,
It is really incredible that Millen still has a job here. It's equally incredible how he can even show his face in public! Yeah, Marinelli is delusional, as are all of us Lion fans who think there is any hope for this team! They could lose all the rest of their games, get the #1 pick, and still be a sorrier circus act next season. No news is good news out of Allen Park!
The amazing thing about the U-M/OSU game was the number of big plays that the defense gave up, but not a bad game. I'm not sure I'd want to see another rematch this season though. Getting beat once by the Buckeyes is bad enough.
Danny,
Yeah, it is like the last 30-40-50 years, but worse. When have the Lions ever been in this bad a shape. They have been the worst team in the NFL for six years. It's utterly ridiculous.
Caputo
Maddog52,
I hear you about the Lions. What more is there to say about Millen and the Lions than what has been written for years by myself and others. But if nobody comments about the travesty, when will it ever change?
Caputo
Mudhenfan,
Yeah, it does seem like the Cubs problems were more rooted in a lack of pitching than anything else. Signing Soriano is not unlike the signing of Alex Rodriguez by Texas in a way because of the pitching issue.
Caputo
I Rule,
I agree with you about the SEC teams and USC, but not Notre Dame. Michigan pounded Notre Dame head to head. How can Michigan not get the bid ahead of Notre Dame for that reason.
Caputo
Garold,
If they get the number one overall pick, I don't have a lot of confidence they will know what to do with it.
Caputo
Yes but haven't we been talking about the lions for years now. Doesn't sound as if anybody is listening then now or ever because we have been absolutely dreadful for to long.
Pat, you correctly point out, the lions only have Kevin Jones and Roy Williams in the talent dept. Then say the coach evidently can't coach. How can we tell? Could Parcells do much better?
Anonymous,
That's a good point. No, I don't think Bill Parcells would be able to turn around the Lions under the circumstances. In that way, it's difficult to cast any kind of accurate judgement on Marinelli.
Caputo
Once upon a time in Canada there was a loud mouth TV hockey mouthpiece that thought he could run an OHL team.
He couldn't and stepped aside after 4 years.
Millen needs to follow Don Cherry's lead and get back in the booth and out of the front office,
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home