Detroit Sports Thread

[ALinChainz]

Joe is a loser and has never had a woman, ignore.

[ALinChainz]

Wednesday, February 23, 2005


If Lions want to improve, they must find backup to Harrington


By Rob Parker / The Detroit News



DETROIT -- The Lions have a huge decision to make, one that could mean the difference between making the playoffs or failing to reach the postseason for the sixth straight season.

That's why they can't get it wrong. The Lions have to acquire a back-up quarterback who is both good enough to beat out starter Joey Harrington in training camp or be ready to take over and lead this team to the playoffs if Harrington falters four games into the regular season.

The last thing the Lions need is a good-hat-wearing, firm-clipboard-holding quarterback who's around more for show than anything else.

The Lions don't want anything close to Mike McMahon, Rick Mirer or Ty Detmer on the sidelines for the '05 season.

As teams all around NFL America start letting go high-priced talent and free agency begins, Lions president Matt Millen must land a big-timer on the market. The Lions should have interest in Jeff Garcia, Quincy Carter, Kurt Warner and Drew Bledsoe.

Millen didn't return calls on Tuesday, but Lions' Pro Bowl cornerback Dre' Bly said landing the right guy is probably going to be the biggest move in this rebuilding phase, especially if the Lions want to take a step forward this coming season.

"It's a very important decision," Bly said. "It's my third year here. The city wants to see us win. Time is running out."

Normally, picking a back-up quarterback isn't that big of a deal. But in this man's NFL, you are only as good as your back-up QB. For the Lions, it's even more important since this is the make-or-break season for Harrington. "The most important position on the team is the quarterback," Bly said.

While Bly still has confidence in Harrington, entering his fourth season, and hopes that this is finally the season the former Oregon star reaches his full potential, he also knows that the NFL is a results-oriented business. Hence, there must be someone as talented on the roster to pick up where someone else leaves off.

"If we get a proven quarterback and if something happens or it doesn't work out for Joey, we'll still be OK," Bly said. "And we'll still be able to win some games and make a run at the playoffs."

For sure, that's the goal. The Lions who improved to 6-10 last season -- one victory more than the year before -- almost have to make the playoffs for people to believe there has been progress made with this franchise over the last four years.

This past season might have been saved if the Lions had gotten an experienced back-up this past off-season. Instead of making a switch when Harrington struggle midway through the season, the Lions stuck with him. It spoke volumes of the lack of confidence the Lions had in McMahon.

Sadly, there was always a feeling that the Lions didn't want to bring a quality quarterback to camp who could seriously challenge Harrington for the starting job. While that made sense in the first two seasons -- after all, Harrington was supposed to be this team's franchise QB for many years to come -- it doesn't any longer.

The Lions simply must win -- with or without Harrington behind center.

"We need someone who can get the job done," Bly said. "It's no secret."

http://www.detnews.com/2005/lions/0502/23/G01-98433.htm

[JoeTHUNDER'SMAN]

Originally posted by WHOYOUFUCKINJOE
Joe is a simply a cunt. Next question. It's not even that close.

STOP EDITING HIS POSTS ALIZ! jOE IS A FABULOUS PIECE OF ASS THAT I USE AS A PLASTIC FUCK DOLL. I WISH HE DID'T CRY SO MUCH THOUGH!

[ALinChainz]

By Jason Powell / fanball.com

Last month there were reports that the Lions were planning to release quarterback Joey Harrington. The next day, general manager Matt Millen and head coach Steve Mariucci denied those reports. The M&M Boys even went so far as to say that Harrington would return as the starter in 2005. Last week, Millen and Mariucci reversed their stance again by admitting that they would like to find a veteran to compete for a starting job.

So where does Harrington stand with the Lions? Is he on his way out of town? Will he be the starter? Will he open the season with a clipboard in hand?

At this point, we believe he will be with the organization, although his starting status is up in the air at this point, just as it should be. Sure, he threw two more touchdown passes and 10 fewer interceptions last season than he did in 2003, but he was still one of the least consistent signal callers in the league.

Beyond Harrington, the Lions showed some signs of life last season due to the strong early-season play of rookie wide receiver Roy Williams, and the great second-half performance by rookie running back Kevin Jones. Third-year receiver Charles Rogers will make yet another attempt at surviving at least a half-season without breaking his collarbone. If the three playmakers can stay healthy, Harrington will have plenty of weapons to work with.

Needs
Detroit is in the hunt for a quarterback. As previously noted, no one is sure whether the person the Lions sign will get an honest shot to unseat Harrington for the starting job, but one can only hope so. Among the possible candidates the Lions will consider are Jeff Garcia, Drew Bledsoe, Kelly Holcomb, and Vinny Testaverde.

The most obvious answer would be Garcia, who played under Mariucci in San Francisco for three seasons. Oh, and it's probably not a coincidence that Mooch changed his tune on Harrington's starting status less than 72 hours after the Browns announced their decision to release Garcia. Actually, the Lions are also looking for a No. 3 quarterback, but that void could just as easily be filled with a draft pick as it could via free agency.

The Kitties might also be in the market for receiver depth either via free agency or in the draft. In addition to backup wideout Tai Streets being a free agent, Detroit might elect to release Az-Zahir Hakim, who will carry a $4 million salary cap number in 2005. Of course, the risk of losing Hakim and Streets is that injuries have prevented Rogers from playing in all but six games over the last two seasons.

Help could be on the way for the offensive line, particularly at guard. The bad news is that there is some question as to whether the team will meet the asking prices of free agents Dominic Raiola (center) and Stockar McDougle (tackle). The Lions have the money to replace either player via free agency, but there is something to be said for continuity.

There are rumors that the Lions might release free safety Brock Marion. The 13-year veteran did not live up to expectations last season and the general consensus is that he no longer has the speed to be as effective as he once was. Either way, look for the Lions to upgrade at safety during the offseason.

Kick return ace Eddie Drummond is a restricted free agent. He is free to sign with other teams, but the Lions have the right to match or pass on the offer. The Pro Bowl special teams player scored four touchdowns last season, including two punt returns for scores in the same quarter.

Salary Cap Situation
We have been unable to find a solid estimate on the Lions' exact salary cap figure, although it is widely assumed that they are well under the cap. However, Millen has indicated that he does not intend to break the bank during the free agency period.

Unrestricted Free Agents
QB Mike McMahon, QB Rick Mirer, WR Tai Streets, TE Stephen Alexander, C Dominic Raiola, G Tyrone Hopson, T Stockar McDougle, DT Marcus Bell, DT Kelvin Pritchett, LB Will Rainer, LB Donte Curry, LB Jody Littlejohn, CB Danion Sidney, S Bracy Walker, P Nick Harris.

Restricted Free Agents
WR Eddie Drummond, TE Casey Fitzsimmons, T Victor Rogers, CB Andre Goodman, CB Chris Cash.

The Draft
The Lions will likely address their defensive line issues with their No. 10 overall pick. The most likely candidate is LSU defensive end Marcus Spears. Other defensive lineman projected to be selected around the same time the Lions pick are defensive tackle Travis Johnson (Florida State) and defensive end Shawne Merriman (Maryland).

There has been some speculation that the Lions will select Virginia tight end Heath Miller in the first round. Then again, some draft experts don't believe Miller will be selected within the top-20 picks, let alone with the No. 10 overall pick. Miller would be an upgrade over the Lions' assortment of tight ends, but it's hard to imagine the team selecting another offensive player in the first round after they used a pair of first-round picks last season.

Detroit could conceivably trade down a few spots in the first round, especially if they take a liking to safety Brodney Pool, who is projected as a mid-first-round pick.

Injury Watch
Williams is on the mend from offseason ankle surgery and will miss the team's first offseason workout at the end of April. However, he is expected to make a full recovery long before training camp opens... Rogers is on pace to make a full return from his broken collarbone and should be ready for the team's first minicamp in May. Of course, fantasy owners who bought into that line last year remember all too well that he didn't even survive the first regular season without suffering a season-ending injury… Tight end Stephen Alexander had offseason ankle surgery. What? Alexander suffered another injury? Knock us over with a feather… Linebacker Boss Bailey missed all of 2004 after undergoing right knee surgery during training camp. He will not need further surgery, although a timetable has not been established for his return.

[ALinChainz]

Harrington getting more responsibility

New Lions offensive aide looking for more big plays

February 25, 2005


BY CURT SYLVESTER
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER



INDIANAPOLIS -- Changes are in the works for Lions quarterback Joey Harrington.


And they involve more than the efforts by team president Matt Millen and coach Steve Mariucci to find a veteran backup to push him for the starting job.


A month into his job as offensive coordinator, Ted Tollner is working on the offensive adjustments that Mariucci hinted might be in line after a 6-10 season.


And if they carry through, Harrington will have more freedom to throw the ball downfield and have more responsibility for adjusting plays at the line of scrimmage than he had in his first three years in the West Coast offense.


"What we are going to try to do is a variety of things to try to help him," Tollner said Thursday at the NFL draft scouting combine. "No. 1, give him more opportunities to throw the ball down the field, to make that chunk 20-yard play, be willing to work on that and make the calls in the game. And then he's got to make that throw.


"You've got to make those plays on first and second downs. We're trying to expand and give him more opportunities on those downs to make those plays."


The offense often failed to gain many yards on first and second downs, leaving the Lions in long-yardage situations on third down.


"We're going to try to give ourselves an edge by expanding on our shifting from one formation to another formation, to put the defense a little bit in doubt so there's some movement," Tollner said. "We're not going to be a St. Louis Rams team, but we're going to add to that.


"We're going to try to expand to some degree on asking him to make some calls on the line of scrimmage so that on those first and second downs, if they want to gang up on the run, we'll have an alternate pass to go to. If they want to play the pass situation, then an alternate run."


In that scenario, Harrington might get "two or maybe even three plays to choose from," Tollner said.


But just as important as the play calls will be the ability of Harrington and his supporting cast to turn the calls into meaningful gains.


"We need just to get better at what was being done last year," Tollner said. "As you look at it, it wasn't so much that there wasn't a play there. It just wasn't made.


"It isn't just Joey. It could be a combination of: 'Did he have enough time from the protection? Did they catch the football? Did he make the right decision? Was he accurate?' You add all those things up, and you only need to make two or three more plays a game sometimes to win those close games.


"So it's not like we're talking some major deal. I think it's a finer line if you have young, quality players from a 6-10 to a 10-6. I think that line's a hell of a lot finer than it sounds."


Although Harrington had career bests with a 56 percent completion mark, 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 77.5 passer rating last season, Mariucci was not satisfied with his production.


As a result, one of the Lions' top priorities in free agency is finding a quarterback capable of handling the backup role and pushing Harrington for the starting job.


Jeff Garcia, who played for Mariucci at San Francisco, is considered a top candidate after being released this week by the Cleveland Browns. Kurt Warner, who led St. Louis to two Super Bowls in three years, is also considered a candidate. He is expected to void his contract with the Giants next week.


In the meantime, Tollner is proceeding with plans under the assumption that Harrington will be the starter. They have talked by telephone and Harrington apparently liked the changes.


"I told him we can only take it as far as the whole offense is capable of, so we're going to start off by not going overboard," Tollner said. "We're not going to be the Indianapolis Colts, where you're making checks all the time, but we're going to start the process of giving our offense the ability to make some decisions on the line.


"To me, it's not going to be a major deal but a complement to what we're doing. He liked the fact we talked about improving our play-action pass game. Those are such general things, but he was very receptive to those general emphasis areas."

http://www.freep.com/sports/lions/lions25e_20050225.htm

[ALinChainz]

Report: Lions re-sign C Raiola

February 27, 2005

BRISTOL, Conncticut (Ticker) - It appears center Dominic Raiola, who has started 48 games over the last three seasons with the Detroit Lions, will continue to man the middle for them.

ESPN is reporting that Raiola has agreed to a five-year contract worth $17.5 million with the Lions.

Raiola, 26, and right tackle Stockar McDougle are two starters on the Lions' offensive line eligible to become unrestricted free agents on Wednesday, March 2.

Re-signing one of them was a priority for the Lions before the start of the free agency signing period.

A second-round pick out of Nebraska in 2001, Raiola played primarily on special teams as a rookie before becoming the starter in 2002.

[ALinChainz]

Lions: Millen talking trade for Darius

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com

Monday, February 28, 2005

News

Lions' general manager Matt Millen admitted Saturday that he has approached the Jaguars regarding the possibility of acquiring safety Donovin Darius via trade. Although Jags' general manager James "Shack" Harris placed the franchise tag on Darius last week, he is still listening to trade offers. However, Millen said there is one problem. "Shack wants your firstborn (child)," Millen told the Detroit Free Press. Darius finished last season with 87 tackles and five interceptions.

Views

Millen has not been willing to give up the high draft pick that Harris wants in return for Darius. Lions' officials were not happy with the play of their safeties last season, so we probably haven't heard the last of these trade rumors.

[ALinChainz]

Lions keep the old, seek the new

Detroit agrees with Raiola, Walker and keeps searching for a Harrington backup.

By Mike O'Hara / The Detroit News


INDIANAPOLIS -- The Lions didn't neglect the home front when they came to the Combine to test and probe this year's draft-class prospects.

They worked to re-sign some of their key veterans and made plans for when the free-agent signing period starts Wednesday. Evaluating the rookies did not get pushed aside. Deadlines and schedules forced all teams to work on the veterans, too.

The Lions kept two of their veterans from testing the free-agent market. Center Dominic Raiola and safety Bracy Walker agreed to contracts over the weekend.

A primary goal for the Lions in free agency is to sign a quarterback as the backup -- at least -- to starter Joey Harrington. The field of quality candidates got slimmer Sunday when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to terms with Brian Griese on a restructured contract.

Jeff Garcia and Kurt Warner remain the top two quarterback options for the Lions. They have different styles but share a similar situation. They both need a job.

Garcia was released by Cleveland earlier in the week and can sign at any time. Warner will void his contract after one season with the Giants and become a free agent Wednesday.

Lions president Matt Millen doesn't expect a long courtship in the game of musical chairs for the quarterbacks.

"The Minute Waltz" will be more fitting than "The Unfinished Symphony," but there are indications that Garcia and agent Stephen Baker don't expect to conclude the process until the end of the week.

"The music's going to stop pretty quick," Millen said Sunday. "There are two sides to it. We're looking and they're looking. We've just got to be smart about it."

Garcia was in Indianapolis over the weekend. He had a physical and met with coach Steve Mariucci, Millen and other members of the franchise.

Garcia also met with other teams.

The fact that Garcia played for Mariucci in San Francisco and made the Pro Bowl three straight years (2000-02) makes him a logical choice to wind up in Detroit, but there are no guarantees with any quarterback.

"There are things he does that are good," Millen said. "Then there are some concerns."

The Lions will move as cautiously as possible, given the time frame under which they are working. Other teams want to add veteran quarterbacks, too, and the pickings are slim behind Warner and Garcia.

While the pieces of the quarterback puzzle are still being put together, here are some issues facing the Lions:

Veteran free agents: They kept five potential free agents off the market. Before the end of the 2004 season, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, linebacker Donte Curry and punter Nick Harris re-signed.

Raiola reportedly has agreed to a five-year, $17 million deal that included a $4.6 million signing bonus. Walker's signed for one year.

The Lions now have three offensive-line starters from 2005 under contract -- right guard Damien Woody, left tackle Jeff Backus and Raiola. The unit became more adept at running and blocking last season.

Raiola, drafted on the second round in 2001, is a three-year starter. He relies on quickness. He has trouble with big, strong nose tackles but can overcome it with his athleticism.

"He's smart," Millen said. "He controls everything up front. We can use him on the edge. He gets to the second level fine. He's got some things he's got to do better."

Right tackle Stockar McDougle will be a free agent Wednesday, and it is unlikely that he will return, given his salary expectations. Victor Rogers and Kelly Butler, young players with minimal experience, will compete at right tackle.

The Lions will tender three restricted free agents -- return specialist Eddie Drummond and cornerbacks Andre' Goodman and Chris Cash -- to retain their services, Millen said.

Look for the Lions to fill holes at left guard and wide receiver in free agency. If that fails, they'll use the draft.

A prime receiver such as Derrick Mason, a former Michigan State player released last week by the Titans, would be attractive. A more likely candidate is a player like Joey Galloway of Tampa Bay. Galloway has speed and is used to being a third receiver.

Combine workouts: The Lions and other teams were encouraged that more prospects than usual took part in the tests here. Quarterback Matt Jones of Arkansas was timed in at 4.40 seconds for the 40-yard dash Sunday. It is believed to be the fastest time ever run by a quarterback at the Combine.

Wide receiver Mike Williams of Southern Cal said Saturday that he would skip the 40 and run at his pro-day workout in California but changed his mind and ran Sunday. Williams' two unofficial times of 4.59 and 4.61 were acceptable for a receiver in the 230-pound range.

http://www.detnews.com/2005/lions/0502/28/E01-102614.htm

[ALinChainz]

Lions: Muhammad was targeted, Mason next

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Tuesday, March 1, 2005

News
The Lions were a surprising player for the services of wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad before he signed with the Bears. The Chicago Tribune reports that the Lions were among the teams that made an attempt to sign the Pro Bowl receiver. With Muhammad off the market, the Lions have shifted their focus toward Derrick Mason.

Views
The interest in top free agent wide receivers is proof that Lions' officials have lost faith in wide receiver Charles Rogers, whose broken collarbone has forced him to miss all but six games since he was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2003 draft. Of course, what Lions' officials fail to acknowledge is that their real problem is quarterback Joey Harrington, who has been a flop since he was selected in the first-round of the 2002 draft.

[Warham]

I wouldn't be harsh enough to call Harrington a flop.

He had 19 TD and 12 INT's last year, hardly the numbers for a flop. Of course Lions fans were pissed much of the year with his play, but if those are numbers of a flop, I can't wait to see what his numbers look like if he actually 'produced'.

Would he have 38 TD and 6 INT's?

[ALinChainz]

Slow Moving Lions Have Work To Do In Free Agency

Mike Fowler - Scout.com

March 4, 2005 at 4:11pm ET


ALLEN PARK - A trip to the NFL owner's meetings and to the University of Miami's pro day have kept Lions president Matt Millen and C.O.O. Tom Lewand out of the Allen Park headquarters during the start of free agency.

Three days into the NFL's annual shopping spree, the Lions seemingly have been content to let the big rush die down before going shopping for players to fill some of the teams most glaring needs.


All signs point toward the Lions finally diving into the market this weekend. Denver safety Kenoy Kennedy , the subject of several unsubstantiated reports, will visit Detroit on Friday and take a tour of the Lions' Allen Park facilities and likely Ford Field in downtown Detroit.

Kennedy's agent, Vann McElroy, confirmed that he is in the process of arranging a visit to Detroit. The Lions are among the front runners for Kennedy's services. At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, he is a physical presence in the middle of a secondary and many observers felt that he outplayed fellow Denver safety, the more highly touted John Lynch .

Former New York Giants quarterback Kurt Warner and Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup Brad Johnson are also expected to visit the Lions either this weekend or early next week.

Detroit was expected to host former Packers guard Marco Rivera , but that went by the wayside when he signed with the Dallas Cowboys . Green Bay also lost guard Mike Wahle , a player Detroit likely would have had interest in, after he agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers .

If Detroit is able to sign Kennedy, that would greatly relieve their problems in the secondary and allow them to address their offensive line needs. With veteran Stockar McDougle testing the market, the Lions may need to acquire replacements for two starting offensive line positions.

Some feel that former seventh round pick (2002) Victor Rogers or rookie sixth round pick (2004) Kelly Butler could step in and fill those positions, but that seems like a stretch considering neither has had substantial playing time. Does Detroit really want to risk stalling their fledgling running attack by starting an untested player at such a key position?

Detroit is unlikely to pay what former Ohio State standout and St. Louis Rams superstar Orlando Pace would command on the open market and with the next best player available, tackle Jonas Jennings signing with the San Francisco 49ers , the talent available at that position is thinning.

While former 49ers and Browns quarterback Jeff Garcia seems to be the best fit for Detroit's offense, reports have Garcia getting closer to an agreement with the Denver Broncos , at the urging of former 49ers head coach Bill Walsh.

The jury is still out on how the 2005 free agency period will turn out for the Lions. There may still be some good bargains when the Lions get around to shopping for them, but with around $20 million in cap space to play with, it's easy to wonder why a team that hasn't seen .500 in four seasons didn't come out more aggressively to fill some of their needs.

[ALinChainz]

Lions sign free agents Kennedy, Pollard

March 7, 2005

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- Kenoy Kennedy made it as far as the gate at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The Detroit Lions are just glad he didn't get on the plane.

The safety was about to board a flight to Miami to continue his free-agent tour Monday, but had second thoughts. He returned to the Lions' practice facility and signed a contract while the team was introducing another new player -- tight end Marcus Pollard.

``They were calling my name and saying that I had to get on the plane or I was going to get left behind,'' Kennedy said. ``I told them to go ahead and leave me. I decided I wanted to be a Lion.''

Kennedy has played his entire five-year career with the Denver Broncos. He is best known as a hard hitter, and has earned the wrath of the NFL for illegal hits.

He was suspended for one game in 2002 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Miami's Chris Chambers, and has been fined for similar plays at least three other times.

``I think I bring a presence,'' he said. ``Receivers are looking for me, and they might develop alligator arms.''

Kennedy has five career sacks and four interceptions.

``I think we got better today, and Kenoy is a big part of that,'' Lions coach Steve Mariucci said.

In the first of their back-to-back press conferences Monday evening, the Lions brought out Pollard, who caught six of Peyton Manning's record 49 touchdown passes last season.

``Until a couple weeks ago, we didn't even expect that Marcus would be available, so we feel very good about adding him to the roster,'' team president Matt Millen said. ``He brings experience, an understanding of how to win, and some great hands.''

Pollard, 33, spent his first 10 seasons with Indianapolis. Last season, as one of the last options in Manning's attack, he caught 29 passes for 309 yards and six touchdowns. He missed three games with leg injuries.

``The Colts felt that they had other players who were ready to play tight end, so they let me go,'' he said. ``That's made for a couple exciting weeks, but I'm glad I'm here and I'm looking forward to help take this team to the next level.''

Like Kennedy, Pollard had interest from other teams. But his wife, Amani, made the decision easier. She went to high school in the Detroit suburb of Farmington.

[Warham]

Sounds like two good signings.

[ALinChainz]

I for one like them a lot.

Huge needs on this team.

[ALinChainz]

Philadelphia signs former Lion back-up Mike McMahon to COMPETE for the #2 behind McNabb, reuniting him with Marty Moerninweg (sp?).

Good athlete, bad QB. 44% career passer.