Yet, I did watch a few of the games this season. During a brief chat with my Dad on Saturday, we both agreed that this incarnation was significantly improved. And, lo and behold, they go out and absolutely demolish the Rams the next day. It was a dominant, impressive victory. Of course, the Rams are not top-tier competition. In fact, just last year, they were a dreadful 1-15. But we all know wins are hard to come by in the NFL, especially for the Lions. They showed on Sunday that they had the ability to pummel an opponent - an all-too-rare occurrence around these parts.
The Fords fired Matt Millen two years ago, so blaming him for the problems in 2010 seems a bit absurd. But the fact is that he is still responsible. The draft picks during his eight year reign should be the backbone of this team. From 2002-2006, not a single Lions draft pick remains. This is why people call the Lions an expansion team. GM Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz had to build the team from scratch. Yet, expansion teams at least get the expansion draft when they get to pilfer players from the other teams. The Lions had no such luxury.
So, the fact that Mayhew & Schwartz took a worse-than-expansion-team and turned them into a 2-game winner last year is notable. If they could win six games this year, Ford should give them new cars.
Let's look at the key plays from the St. Louis game:
- Opening kickoff - St. Louis tries to surprise the Lions with an onside kick. Amari Spievey is not fooled and calmly cradles the bouncing ball. Spievey was a 2010 draft pick.
- On an early drive, St. Louis threaten until Corey Williams forces a St. Louis fumble. The Lions' Alphonso Smith recovers the ball. Williams was a 2010 Mayhew free agent signing, and Smith was 2nd round pick of the Broncos in 2009. Mayhew acquired him in a trade this offseason in exchange for a 7th round pick.
- After St. Louis ties the score at 3, the Lions' Stefan Logan returns the kickoff 105 yards for a TD. The Lions never look back. Logan was claimed off waivers by Mayhew on September 7th.
- On the Lions next possession, Jahvid Best converts a 3rd and 8 into a 22 yard gain. Then Shaun Hill hits Calvin Johnson for a TD. Best was a 1st round Mayhew pick. Hill was a Mayhew free agent pickup, and Calvin was actually selected by Matt Millen.
- Next possession, the Lions score again on a Hill pass to Brandon Pettigrew. Pettigrew was a 1st round pick by Mayhew in '09.
- In the 2nd half, the Lions need just four plays to score yet again on a Shaun Hill pass to Nate Burleson. Mayhew picked up Burleson as a free agent this offseason.
- Early in the 4th, Jason Hanson nails a 48 yarder. Hanson was a 2nd round pick in 1992 by Chuck Schmidt (that one was just for fun).
- A few minutes later, Ndamukong Suh makes his first career interception. Suh, of course, was the #2 overall pick this year by Mayhew.
- On the Rams next possession, Alphonso Smith comes up big again, intercepting a pass, returning it to the house, and does his "Carlton (of Fresh Prince fame) Dance":
Other than Calvin Johnson, every single big play of the game was made by a Mayhew/Schwartz player acquired within the last two years. Even for a negative nellie like me, I've got to admit that's impressive.
All you need to do is compare the drafting of the last 10-12 years of Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and New England to what Millen did. There simply is not enough talent on this roster; however, the results of the last two drafts are encouraging. Mayhew's shrewd trading has increased our number of picks, and the scouts and Schwartz have been far above average in adding talent through the draft.
ReplyDeleteI still think this team is two drafts away from 8-8, but there is absolutely hope. My one gripe: it appears they are content with the existing offensive line. While I understand that there have been bigger holes that need filling (and other holes are more glaring, like DB and LB), I don't understand making a long term commitment to this group on the OL. This is clearly not a championship offensive line, but it seems like they are going to stick with Backus at LT (as opposed to moving him elsewhere on the line) and much to my dismay, they are keeping Raiola on the roster. This OL - at best - is slightly below average. At worst, it's going to end Stafford's career.
Could not agree more.
ReplyDeleteStafford already has Backus to blame for missing the first five (maybe six) games. Backus - to his credit - didn't allow another sack against the Bears, but that one was friggin' crucial and painful to watch.
Next time I hope he tackles the DE and just takes the holding penalty.
And let me make this clear. I don't hate Backus. He is a legitimate NFL starting offensive lineman. But a below average one. Left Tackle is the second most important position on the team, and I'm a big believer in building a championship team through the QB, OL, and DL [in that order]. Like quarterback, if you have an opportunity to upgrade at LT, you don't mess around. I can't fault the Lions for passing on LTs and taking Stafford and Suh. But could they have done something elsewhere? And this year, when the Lions are again drafting in the top 10, are they going to be filling needs at LB or CB or S? Or can they be aggressive and get the best OT in the draft?
ReplyDelete