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On the Lions opponent Sunday, Carolina, and the Tigers signing Gerald Laird
I find analyzing the Carolina Panthers to be perplexing. On one hand, they have many talented players on offense. Cam Newton is very good - already. He is an excellent passer and obviously displays exceptional mobility. Steve Smith, and tight ends Greg Olson and Jeremy Shockey, are top-flight receivers. The Panthers have two solid running backs in Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. The Panthers rank in the Top 10 in the NFL in yards gained, but in the bottom third in scoring points. Defensively, the Panthers don't play the run well, but aren't that bad statistically overall. Yet, they rank 30th in points allowed.
I mean, they have excellent players, but also a 2-7 record and were just beaten at home by 27 points by Tennessee. It's not only a game the Lions must win Sunday, but they should win. But it's not going to be as simple as just showing up. Another flat effort, and the Panthers are capable of stinging the Lions.
- Gerald Laird is not a horrible player when projected into the role as a backup catcher starting, say, 40 per season. I know that. But I must admit my reaction to the Tigers signing him was the same as many of you. Anybody but Gerald Laird...
I mean, they have excellent players, but also a 2-7 record and were just beaten at home by 27 points by Tennessee. It's not only a game the Lions must win Sunday, but they should win. But it's not going to be as simple as just showing up. Another flat effort, and the Panthers are capable of stinging the Lions.
- Gerald Laird is not a horrible player when projected into the role as a backup catcher starting, say, 40 per season. I know that. But I must admit my reaction to the Tigers signing him was the same as many of you. Anybody but Gerald Laird...
posted by Pat Caputo at
11:26 AM
4 Comments:
Pat, getting Laird for 1M is good. He does hit left handed pitching a bit. Laird use to throw base stealers out at a terrific percentage. For the Tigers to take the next step they need Aliva fresh and contribute with the bat.
I actually think the signing of Laird is a terrific move. He's dependable, a team player, and will fill a desperate need on this team. Barring unforeseen injuries, I don't see any downside to this move whatsover.
But, just so we know, who would you have preferred they sign for backup catcher? And please don't say 'anybody else...'
Don't underestimate Carolina. I think they have lost like 5 of their 7 games by a TD or less, also think they played Green Bay, Chicago and New Orleans pretty well this year. Have had a tough schedule to date.
This is NOT a gimme. In fact this will give us a good look at how good the Lions are this year, contenders or pretenders.
Same reaction about Laird, Pat. I think about he and Inge sitting at the bottom of the order on days we "platoon" and you get those rather hopeless innings that wheel around every third time in the batting order. Just a whiff of Randy Smith (let's go with the familiar) in this move.
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