Detroit Sports Thread

[POJO_Risin]

Thing is War...

I know you are publically thinking 9-7...

but I think Detroit could do much...much better than that if they are healthy...

[Warham]

I don't want to get too greedy now, Pojo.

[POJO_Risin]

15-1???

I said 9-7 last year...before the season started with this caveat...

I would change it if Ben became starter for the Steelers...

lmfao...I'm not prophetic often...

but that was 1 I don't mind talkin' about...

won't have that next year though...My steelers are doin' enough...

[Warham]

I do like what the Lions have done in the offseason, even if I'm not too keen on Garcia.

[ALinChainz]

Pretty sure we lost like 6 or 7 games by a TD or less, and we had leads vs GB and Minny in the 4th qtr of those games.

Health is the biggest issue.

[Warham]

Charles Rogers is my biggest concern by far. If we can get TWO good receivers, we'll be that much better.

[ALinChainz]

Dude, if Rogers can stay healthy ... look out.

[POJO_Risin]

IMO...he doesn't have to stay healthy to look out...they just need Jones to stay healthy...RW to stay healthy...

Harrington not to bite them in the ass by making costly mistakes...

Pollard to be the old Pollard...not just old...

and the D to stay healthy...

If Rogers is healthy...the go from a good team...to a great one...

and IMO...they just have to stay the course...

[ALinChainz]

Just sometimes you find yourself thinking, "that could be Andre Johnson over there opposite Roy ... "

Health will always be the big issure, but it is for everyone. Just seemed to be cursed lately.

[ALinChainz]

Garcia says he's ready for backup role -- and will be ready to start

March 14, 2005


ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- Though Jeff Garcia believes still he can be a successful starter in the NFL, he has accepted his new role as the Lions' backup quarterback.

``I'm not there to create any friction, I'm not there to create any controversy,'' Garcia said in a conference call Monday, two days after agreeing to a one-year, $2 million deal. ``I'm just there to add strength to the position.''

Coach Steve Mariucci, who coached Garcia for four years in San Francisco, was adamant that Joey Harrington will be Detroit's starting quarterback when the season begins in September.

Before signing the 35-year-old Garcia, the Lions targeted a group of veterans that included Garcia, former NFL MVP Kurt Warner and Brad Johnson. Warner signed with Arizona, leaving the door open for Garcia to choose the Lions over Seattle and Denver.

Mariucci said Garcia's age isn't a concern, comparing him to Steve Young, who also played for Mariucci in San Francisco.

``(Veteran quarterbacks) aren't thinking retirement, they're not thinking old age, they're thinking about getting better and that's what makes these guys tick and keeps them motivated,'' Mariucci said.

During his five years with the 49ers, Garcia threw for 16,408 yards and 113 touchdowns and was a Pro Bowl selection three straight times from 2000-2002.

Garcia then signed with Cleveland last year. He started 10 of 11 games before ending the season on injured reserve. The Browns released him last month.

Despite coming as the backup, Garcia said he will be ready to start if the situation arises.

``It's hard to swallow that I'm not coming into a situation where I'm at least able to compete or to be that guy (that starts),'' Garcia said. ``But it's something that is reality right now and something that I will have to accept.''

[Warham]

35 years old...yeesh.

[ALinChainz]

Let's hope he doesn't play.

[ALinChainz]

Lions make Holland linebackers coach

March 15, 2005


ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Lions elevated Johnny Holland to linebackers coach Tuesday and hired Phil Snow as a defensive assistant.

Holland replaces Richard Smith, hired earlier this month as the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator. Snow will fill the position Holland has held for the last two seasons.

Before joining the Lions, Holland spent three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, first as assistant special teams/assistant strength and conditioning coach (2000), then as linebackers coach (2001-02). He coached in Green Bay from 1995-99.

Snow spent the past two seasons with the Washington Huskies, the last as defensive coordinator.

[Warham]

I'm still wincing from the Garcia signing.

[ALinChainz]

I know ... not my first choice either ... just hoping he serves as the extended coach due to his years under Mooch. He did go to 3 Pro Bowls under him, but his playing days are over in my opinion.

Best case scenario, he plays what other #2's do ... mop up.