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Ah, Believe It Or Not, I Think The Lions Will Win Sunday
I think the Lions are going to beat the Packers Sunday. Before you laugh me off the stage, consider my logic behind this thinking:
- The Lions were 5-3 at home last season.
- Their worst blowout losses, the ones that were eerily similar to last Sunday’s opener in Atlanta, took place on the road.
- The Lions were only routed in one home game last season. They played the Giants and the Cowboys close. Only the Packers beat them by a decided margin on Thanksgiving Day.
- The Packers no longer have Brett Favre. Aaron Rodgers played well in the Packers’ opener Monday night, but everything went his way. The Packers got the lead. It was at home. The true test of a QB comes on the road when his team falls behind.
- The Packers have one less day to prepare for this game because they played on Monday night.
- The Lions should have a sense of urgency. If they win this game, the season is still on. If they lose, it will be over before it really starts. Rod Marinelli and his coaches are, in a sense, coaching for their jobs. Many of these players, including QB Jon Kitna, are playing for their jobs.
Random Thoughts
- Michigan at Notre Dame Saturday will clearly serve as the junior varsity game for Ohio State and USC at night. Notre Dame has lost its last six games to USC - and has a loss to Ohio State thrown into the mix during that time period. That’s 0-7. Michigan is 1-6 against OSU since Jim Tressel has been its coach. It’s also 0-2 against USC in that period. That’s 1-8. You combine Notre Dame and Michigan’s record in that regard against Ohio State and USC, it’s 1-15.
Ouch.
- Just a hunch, but I believe Pavel Datsyuk will lead the NHL in scoring this season.
- I just bought my first my first preseason basketball magazines, the Athlon college and NBA books. They have Michigan State ranked No. 14 nationally and the Pistons winning their division.
I think they might underestimating the Spartans overrating the Pistons.
- The Lions were 5-3 at home last season.
- Their worst blowout losses, the ones that were eerily similar to last Sunday’s opener in Atlanta, took place on the road.
- The Lions were only routed in one home game last season. They played the Giants and the Cowboys close. Only the Packers beat them by a decided margin on Thanksgiving Day.
- The Packers no longer have Brett Favre. Aaron Rodgers played well in the Packers’ opener Monday night, but everything went his way. The Packers got the lead. It was at home. The true test of a QB comes on the road when his team falls behind.
- The Packers have one less day to prepare for this game because they played on Monday night.
- The Lions should have a sense of urgency. If they win this game, the season is still on. If they lose, it will be over before it really starts. Rod Marinelli and his coaches are, in a sense, coaching for their jobs. Many of these players, including QB Jon Kitna, are playing for their jobs.
Random Thoughts
- Michigan at Notre Dame Saturday will clearly serve as the junior varsity game for Ohio State and USC at night. Notre Dame has lost its last six games to USC - and has a loss to Ohio State thrown into the mix during that time period. That’s 0-7. Michigan is 1-6 against OSU since Jim Tressel has been its coach. It’s also 0-2 against USC in that period. That’s 1-8. You combine Notre Dame and Michigan’s record in that regard against Ohio State and USC, it’s 1-15.
Ouch.
- Just a hunch, but I believe Pavel Datsyuk will lead the NHL in scoring this season.
- I just bought my first my first preseason basketball magazines, the Athlon college and NBA books. They have Michigan State ranked No. 14 nationally and the Pistons winning their division.
I think they might underestimating the Spartans overrating the Pistons.
posted by Pat Caputo at
11:46 AM
14 Comments:
Hey Book, in regards to your Pavel Datsyuk prediction...I hope you are right...but, I don't think it will be. Not that I don't think he can do it....he certainly can, but with him being full time center now - allegedly, centering the Hossa line most likely...I think it will be Hossa winning the title. Hossa has never had such a good, dynamic center setting him up before. It should be nightly shooting practice for those two. Should be very fun to watch.
Besides, don't count Z out just yet...I think he finally found his scoring touch and his ability to finish at the net...he is playing for a contract extension that transcends Eric Staals....just watch.
This is going to be a fun season to watch.
Book,
What's the prediction for Michigan-ND and USC-OSU? I'm thinking 24-10 Irish and 28-14 Trojans. I really hope I'm not embarrassed by the first prediction.
John
dakota mark,
Both Zetterberg and Datsyuk are outstanding players capable of winning the scoring title in any given season. I think Datsyuk will do it this season because he put up such incredible numbers the second half of last season.
Caputo
dakota mark,
Both Zetterberg and Datsyuk are outstanding players capable of winning the scoring title in any given season. I think Datsyuk will do it this season because he put up such incredible numbers the second half of last season.
Caputo
The Lions will not win because Jon kitna is one of the worst QB's in the league. Even young QB's like Rogers is better than Kitna. So I think the Lions will lose due to Kitna's mistakes and inconsistent throws.
zeragon,
I don't think Kitna is a horrible QB. Average would be more like. But the best argument you have is his record as Lions starter - 10-2.
Caputo
I agree on your Basketball Assessments. I also hope you are right. As good as all these red wings teams are it be nice to see someone get a Heart Trophy. I.E. Zetterberg or Pavel..
dude not sure if you are catching the college games. But man I love college football. I could watch East Fartingburger State where or if that is a college vs The Replacements... Anyways man I really like Dantonio. I think you guys finally got it right with that guy up in East lansing.
However, me being a Michigan guy. I know I know weather played a major role. However, all they had to do was hold the ball. We could of one this game.. At the same time. I am not upset. I knew going into this year Michigan would be down and it would be a long long year. Cause it is very clear their is a lot of RAW talent on this team. Guys are still in football diapers if you may... Going into the Big ten though I hope U of M fans keep a level head on their shoulders. I mean it is not like we are dealing with the Lions here. UofM is a loud to have a bad year hear and there. I think they will be back with in the next year or 2. Most importantly how much did the world rejoice watching Charlie Weiss get taken out lol... I shouldn't laugh but like he says to us. the hell with him.
Speaking of the lions oh god.. Imean they lose this game at home.. Thanks Gardner White thanks a lot. Really though we don't sell out games cause the lions. We sell out games cause we love football. There is nothing like going to a football game. Yes it be nice if we went to games where the lions were competitive most of the time. Bullocks, Biden, and ramirez were slated as started oh and Middleton is a new returner. Um can I really answer for everyone when I say who gives a crap.. Your linebackers still suck. Your defensive line still got thrown all over the football field. Jeff bacus and George Foster still get spun around like revolving doors by D-lineman. I am sorry the running back situation isn't the problem. The issue is the foundation that this Hall of Shame contractor name matt millen built is garbage. How many peices of Millens puzzle bought the past 4 drafts are even in the league. Mike Williams, Kevin Jones, Charles Rogers, Joey Harrington. Hell look at that whole 2002 draft. UGH..... The Patriots, Packers, Cowboys, Giants, Steelers, Colts, Eagles teams like that which are normally in it most years don't put up with garbage like this. This has to be placed on the organization and one Mr. Ford for allowing it to happen.
On the Tigers I will give Dombrowski the beneift of doubt this year. He made moves they all failed. Fine.. Remember that rant he made a few years ago with all the bad contracts and he said you guys try to clean this crap up. Well double d you dropped a major load this season now you need to fix it. I think how he addresses the pitching staff will tell all for him... Not only the bullpen but the starters as well. Other key moves I mean I love Inge as a utility infielder. However, I am not sure about his lifetime .216 avg . Thames another got his chance and proved he is a backup. Santiago I'd like to see him play out the remainder games to see if he really has gotten better at the plate. Cause he has done good every chance he got this season. Then you can get rid of renteria. Either way it will be itneresting. I just hope DD didn't put himself in a huge whole with all these big contracts. I also hope he don't get gitty over Nate's performance against a crap AAA oakland team.
Maddog52,
It wasn't a good effort by Michigan Saturday. State has had good success vs. Notre Dame. They might be the toughest team on ND's schedule until USC.
Caputo
Great column this morning (Monday) in the OP, Pat. You said it perfectly and captured everything I felt after watching that Lions game to a tee.
Then watching the Tigers come back that night from 7-0 to tie on a Thames grand slam - only to see Hessman boot a ground ball that would have gotten them out of the inning - to next see another grandslam given up by Krazy Kyle - to a journeyman Toledo Mudhen.
It was like a crazy cosmic vortex caused by Ike as he passed over or something.
{Sigh} Great column Pat.
Pat,
I enjoyed your Rich Rod bashing on Fox 2 last night. Thank god someone said something (by the way the guy to your right doesn't know anything sbout sports). Keep up the good work.
Sorry Pat I posted this in the wrong section so here it is here,
Pat,
My wife and I moved from Sylvan Lake to Fernley, NV 3 years ago to escape Michigan's "wonderful' weather and we are here on a two week visit with my family and for my 63rd birthday my kids gave me a ticket to the Lions/GB game. We went to Ford Field yesterday and I had a great time booing the Lions. This may be the worst Lions team I have ever seen! I watched you on channel 2 sports talk last might and I agree 100% that Millen has to go...he should have been fired a long time ago...or never hired but Ford has his head up his butt so....
The Lions are the laughing stock of the league every year and especially out west in Raider/49er country and I'm sure getting sick of hearing from my friends what a crappy bunch the Lions are from top to bottom.
Oh and this Kitna....MY GOD! I could play better than him.
So please save me from the beating I know I'm going to take when I get back home! <):-)
Thanks.
A disgusted Lions fan.
Gary D.
Gary D,
The Lions struggles have gone on forever, but I thought Sunday's game even took it a step beyond. They need to start from scratch. If they fall to 0-3 after their trip to San Francisco, things will get even uglier.
Caputo
Anonymous,
A lot of people are giving Rodriguez a free pass for this season, but his material suggests his team should be better.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate it. I give you credit, Fred, watching that Tigers game last night was fascinating, but also telling - about them and you as a truly great baseball fan.
Caputo
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