Don't expect me to get all excited...

"Wins and losses are all that matter. We know we have a good team, but if you're not winning, you really don't, I guess." -- Cliff Avril.

I can't agree with Mr. Avril more. And now, for the last few weeks anyway, the Lions have been winning. It feels really weird to write that.

I never root against the Lions, but I certainly never bet on them either.

Still, what good does this late season flourish really buy the Lions besides a much lower draft pick? If the season were to end today, they would pick 9th next April--far outside of the Patrick Petersen sweepstakes.

In 1989, Barry Sanders' rookie season, the Detroit Lions finished 7-9, but managed to win six of their final seven games showing the world that they were a dangerous team...

This led them to the glorious 1990 season...1990? Yeah, they went 6-10 that year. Momentum doesn't usually carry over to the next season. Of course, 1991 was the golden year in Lions football in my lifetime. Can we hope for a rebirth in 2012? I'm not holding my breath--not because I don't believe it, but because 2012 is a long way away and I can't hold my breath that long.

The Lions need to get rid of Dominic Raiola, not because he's good for at least one completely ignorant fan incident every year or two, but because he's too damn small to play the position and he gets pushed into the backfield way too often.

A month ago I was calling for a house cleaning at Ford Field...this winning streak hasn't exactly changed my mind yet. It's more of a stay of execution.

Meanwhile, the 49ers are going to call up Bill Parcells...

If the Lions can't get Patrick Peterson, Prince Nakamura is a pretty damn good corner too. Watch the Nebraska bowl game and check him out...but watch LSU too...just in case Peterson falls.

By the way, the Lions have won three in a row...Green Bay without Aaron Rodgers, Tampa Bay (legitimate win, I think) and Miami at home where they're 1-7 this season...It's not all that impressive when you break it down.

The Lions should throw six screens to Jahvid Best a game. Getting him in space is the only way to use him. He can't seem to break tackles. He needs the ball on swing passes and passing routes. He also needs to learn some skills from Maurice Morris and be a 100 times more decisive when running the ball. One cut and go...probably easier said than done, but true none the less.

Minnesota managed to beat the playoff bound Eagles last week...this week will not be a slam dunk like many people seem to think.

This article has taken me two weeks to plod through thanks to the holidays and...I don't really regret it at all. Hope everybody has had great holidays and have a happy new year! Hopefully we'll never see the Devil again and the Lions will get cheerleaders!

I think I hit my head, did you say the Lions won?

I don't want to be completely negative...but that was really, really ugly. Now granted, there are no "winning ugly asterisks" next to that notch the Leo's put in the "W" column last Sunday, but we have to call a spade a spade.

The Packers played most of the game without Aaron Rodgers, or as I call him Snidely Whiplash...and I think that he may have in point of fact gotten whiplash on that hit from Landon Johnson. Now, granted, the Lions didn't face the Snidely one because they themselves knocked him from the contest, which is a big plus.

The defensive front continues to be the only real strength of the Lions, not counting Calvin Johnson...although with the revolving door at quarterback and the sheer stupid reluctance to throwing the ball to him when he's quintuple covered, Johnson is not having nearly as good of a year as he could be. And he's still second in the NFL in touchdown receptions.

The other revelation that came out of the bloodbath that was the Lions first division win in almost three years was this facade of a running game. Sure the Lions rushed for 190 total yards...but how did they do it? They only got 30 yards from Jahvid Best--who for some damn reason is not getting any more screen passes called for him. They got 30 yards from a punt returner. They got 40 yards on QB scrambles...that's something you can really count on going forward. And when everything was on the line on third down...they couldn't get but an inch...unless all they needed was an inch, in that case they could get nothing.

I think the NFL is all about "can you get those three yards?" And I still don't think the Lions can.

Stephen Peterman got a big contract extention a year or two ago...why? This guy's name gets called almost as much as CJ or whoever is being beaten senseless playing quarterback. If you're hearing an offensive lineman's name during the course of a game...it's never good. He's got to go.

Much like the Lions had a single minded, tunnel vision focus on completely overhauling the defensive line last off season, they need to set that laser sight on the offensive line this offseason. Each player on the offensive line has had decent to even good games this season --except Peterson--but none are excellent, none are consistently consistent.

Perhaps Jeff Backus has had his best season of his career...but he still allowed both Stafford and Hill to be trampled and injured by his assigned defender. I still hold that Backus would make a grade A, perhaps even probowl caliber, right tackle.

Cherlilus has been maddeningly inconsistent.

Raiola doesn't make any sense--an undersized center on a line that cannot get two yards in short yardage situations. A center who doesn't understand what constitutes an "illegal snap". OK, I'll admit, I still don't understand that rule...but it's Raiola's job to understand it. He may be a great leader in the locker room, but he's the leader of a mediocre to downright awful offensive line...and who's the first to go when making changes of a "department"? Yep, the leader. He's got to go too.

I haven't heard Rob Sims name but once or twice all season. I think he's probably doing a bang up job.

In conclusion...keep Sims at LG, move Backus to RT and get a new C, RG, and LT.

Seems like a lot, I know. But last year, the Lions were saying that they needed two DT's and a DE....They pulled off those moves pretty well.

3rd and 3 or less

This was a really bad week for the the "3rd and 3 or less, run, run, run!" theory I promote. The Lions were 3 of 4 passing and 0 of 2 rushing on the down that offenses are designed to try and get to. But the overall year standings still bear out. On the season the Lions are 11 of 20 rushing (55%) and 18 of 35 passing (51.4%).

Blocked Punts?

Someday, I hope, I pray, I long to say that the Lions will at least try to block a punt by sending eight men full out upon the punter...but alas, once again, they didn't do it against the Packers.

Fade stop?

Again, the Lions have one of the greatest weapons in the game, an obscenely athletic 6'5 receiver who can run a 4.3. Do they throw the ball up in the endzone where he can out jump the cornerbacks who average a half foot shorter than Calvin? Nope, again, not this week.

Wouldn't it be great if the Lions had cheerleaders?

The Lions managed to host a Vikings game this week in Ford Field, for the first time ever, a professional cheer squad roamed the sidelines of a NFL regular season game. I shed a tear that it had to be from a rival NFC central squad.

Come on Ford's! Get on the ball! There's a team ready and waiting, the Detroit Pride! Why don't you just let them go down on the sidelines?

Tales of the inept

The Carolina Panthers (1-12) lost again and continued on their crash course towards the number one pick in the NFL draft...the first draft in history that will include a rookie wage scale.

The Cincinnati Bengals (2-11) jumped up into the number two spot by getting steam rolled 23-7 by the Steelers.

The Buffalo Bills (3-10) beat the Cleveland Browns and continue to play very well. I suspect them to jump the Lions and perhaps get out of the tip five picks.

The Detroit Lions (3-10), now that they see who they might be able to draft at the top of the board this coming April (Patrick Peterson) have decided to start winning.

The Denver Broncos (3-10) fired their head coach before getting destroyed by a really bad Arizona team.

Bring on the Doom!

Somehow, unexplainably, the 2-10 Lions have managed to once again sell out in time to lift the local media blackout.

How this continues to happen is completely beyond my comprehension.

The Lions had to put starting corner back Alphonso Smith and starting defensive end Kyle VandenBosch on the injured reserved list this week...both are now gone for the year.

The defensive backfield will once again turn from almost passable to miserable. The defensive line will lose it's emotional leader.

And this week Green Bay and Snidely Whiplash himself come to town. The Lions cannot handle Aaron Rodgers. I fully expect another quarterback with a perfect QB rating against the Lions.

At least we'll be able to see it...

3rd and 3 or less

The Lions went 1 for 3 running and 3 of 4 passing, which blows up my theory, but put in the context of the entire season does little to change my mind. 3rd and 3 or less means run, run, run!

On the season the Lions are 11 of 18 rushing (61%) and 15 of 31 passing (48%).

Blocked punts?

Nope.

Fade stop?

Another week where the Lions refused to utilize Calvin Johnson in the unstoppable play.
So sad.

Wouldn't it be great if the Lions had cheerleaders?

It's so sad that I have to keep writing that line. The Detroit Pride are offering to take the vital role in the Lions organization, but continue to be shunned by the ivory tower and the ancient Ford. So very sad.

Tales of the inept.

The Carolina Panthers (1-11) were blasted by a very mediocre Seattle SeaHawks team.

The Detroit Lions (2-10) are getting comfortable back in their old stomping grounds--second worst overall in the league.

The Buffalo Bills (2-10) gave up their habit of playing well and losing lately, instead they played lousy and were trounced by the Vikings.

The Cincinnati Bengals (2-10) lost a heart breaker to the Saints.

Lions lost to Bears long before losing the lead

The Lions still do not understand that an NFL game is scheduled to run at least 60 timed minutes. They didn't lose when the Bears scored on a first and seven after an egregiously lousy call against the Kong to take the lead. They lost long before that.

Most people would think that getting a turnover and scoring easy points would be something that goes in your team's favor.

But not with the Lions.

The Lions came out of the half with a 17-14 lead. Chicago received the kickoff. Jay Cutler was sacked and fumbled the ball. The Lions recovered the fumble at the Chicago 9 yard line.

1st and Goal at the 9! A chance to really stick it to the Bears and make it 24-14...let the blowout begin! What? That's not what happened?

Three plays later it was 4th and Goal at the 7...they managed only two yards and then punted...sorry, kicked the field goal. All the air had escaped the Lions balloon. The difference between 20-14 and and 24-14 to the Lions, in that situation, is measured by far more than just four points.

The Lions continue to be a team that is petrified of losing, but sees it as inevitable. This is not a team that plays to win. This is not a team with the mental toughness to step on the opponents throat and take victory.

No, this is a team that punts the ball away with five minutes left, losing by four points, in opposing territory. This is a 2-10 team playing not to lose by too big of a margin. This is bad coaching.

But I have a solution--and I know it sounds crazy...

Fire Nick Harris, the Lions punter.

I don't want to see the Lions ever punt again. Why have the crutch of having a punter to fall back on, if you're never going to punt again. And I mean NEVER. Go for it on fourth down--all the time.

Why do I suggest this crazy, ludicrous idea? Because somebody else is already doing it--and succeeding.

Kevin Kelley is the head football coach at Pulaski (Ark.) Academy and he stopped punting after the second week of the season in 2007. He punted twice that season and only once after that second game--and that second punt was an act of good sportsmanship.

Kelley won the state championship in 2007. He was interviewed by Gregg Williams, of TMQ fame.

“They give you four downs, not three,” Kelley told TMQ. “You should take advantage. Suppose we had punted from our own 5. The odds are the opposition will take over at about the 35, and from there the stats say they have an 80 percent chance of scoring. So even if you only have a 50 percent chance of converting the first down, isn’t that better than giving the other side an 80 percent chance of scoring? For fourth-and-short attempts, the odds of converting are a lot better than 50 percent.”

Why should the Lions continue to do what every other team in the league is good at? The Lions are obviously no good at it. The Lions need to go unconventional...

How did Wayne Fontes make the Lions relevant when he first got handed the gig? The run and shoot...oh, and a short little running back named Sanders...but remember The RUN and SHOOT!

Miami rebounded from a 1-15 season to a playoff year by introducing the wildcat. Do I think the Lions should do more wildcat? No, they need to do something really new. Forget the punt.

And I'd take it a step further...never kickoff deep. Always go for the onside. A successful onside kick is as good as a turnover.

Jason Hanson is 40+, his time is very short. The Lions need to find a kicker who specializes in the onside kick.

Page 2 Welcomes Detroit Pride with open arms

Go ahead, click on her...you know you want to.

A little catch up again...for the team that is dead inside...

Now that we have officially entered the heart of draft season in Michigan, my enthusiasm and my dedication to SSR has waned. The latest news that the Kansas Kid may be lost for the rest of the season, leaving the fate of the team for the rest of the season in the hands of one of the biggest Millen rejects...has been a bit of a crushing blow.

Of course, what I find most intriguing and perplexing is that the same day the organization announces this woebegone news, they sell out for the game. What? How does that make any sense at all, besides the fact that Lions fans are beyond insane?

3rd and 3 or less

The Lions only faced three 3rd and 3 or less situations on Thanksgiving--converting 1 of 2 passing and 1 of 1 rushing. Season totals are 10 of 15 rushing (66%) and 12 of 28 passing (43%). 3rd and 3 or less means run, run, run! When will they ever learn?

Blocked punts?

Yeah, right. This one will run forever.

Fade Stop?

I think the Lions tried to run it twice against the Pats...but both time to Derrick Williams, a receiver who was shorter than his defender--where the advantage was to the defense....weird. Typical Lions.

Wouldn't it be great if the Lions had cheerleaders?

It's so sad that I have to keep writing that line. Someday it will change, before or after the Lions are good again, I'm not sure...ha, I said "Lions are good again." It's so absurd now, it's funny.

Tales of the Inept

The Carolina Panthers (1-10) are now the only team ahead of the Lions in the current draft order.

Detroit Lions (2-9) back in the all too familiar #2 spot.

The Buffalo Bills (2-9), who have been playing very well since beating the Lions, took the Steelers deep into overtime before losing on a field goal.

The Cincinnati Bengals (2-9) were schlacked by the New York Jets just a few hours after the Lions crapped the bed against the Pats.

Lions keep up with Thanksgiving Tradition

I am so tired of hearing about how the Lions "play like turkeys"...the Lions "got stuffed again"..they "lose their heads"...they just suck...

I know it's all true...but I tire of hearing it.

It's time to start talking about the draft again now. The Lions are 2-9 and any chance for respectability has, once again, exited stage left for the season.

And even though reporters and sportscasters keep trying to raise the spirit of Phil Simms in regards to Matt Stafford's constant injured status...I don't buy it. For every Phil Simms, an "injury prone" quarterback who rebounded to have a startling career, there are a thousand who haven't and there is nothing in Stafford's demeanor or history that leaves me with any reason to think he is the one in a million Phil Simms and not a Todd Marinovich or Ryan Leaf.

So what do the Lions need? What don't they need? Did you see the fourth quarter on Thanksgiving?

OK, other than Bill Parcells, what do they most need? Linebackers, corners, and offensive lineman.

Let me tell you what I like about this team...Ndamukong Suh, Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew, and Stefan Logan. Most everybody else, I'm up in the air about.

The Lions went through a lot of effort to build a decent defensive line, so let's see if that can't gel better over the next two years --although VandenBosch is already 34, he will need to be replaced soon...but probably not this year.

The defensive backs were a major league embarrassment last year. Going into this season, everyone was nervous about them, and rightly so, but Chris Houston and Alphonso Smith, Thanksgiving debacle notwithstanding, have proven to be pretty good. But, neither one is the shut down primary corner the Lions need. They are both very good #2's, but neither is a #1. That's what I think the Lions need...a true #1 shutdown corner--if there isn't a left tackle worthy of the #2 pick...

Yeah, that's right, if the draft ended today, the Lions would be right back in their familiar draft slot of #2. Everyone, please keep telling me about how much they've "improved." If you were able to do it with a straight face, you're either a comedian or certifiable.

One thing the Lions have emphatically proven so far this season, is that even if you have a good to great defensive line, if you don't have linebackers, teams will still be able to run on you. Levy missed the first four games and has looked good since coming back, but Peterson has had a rough year and I can't even remember the name of the guy playing opposite of him. Does that tell you anything?

Tomorrow, we can start talking about the offense...

Isn't it refreshing? Everything is back to normal...

All of that blown up nonsense about how this was a different team and that they were "heading in a different direction," it was all just a bunch of useless propaganda and lies. The Lions are no different today than they were three years ago. Oh, sure there are some new players and they supposedly have "bright" futures...but I don't buy it for a second. There are just different names on the backs of the same losing, talent deficient players.

The Lions may never be any good.

That's a hard line for me to write. I've lived and died and shed blood while rooting for this odd assortment of useless swamp gas over the last thirty years. I never really believed that I would say something like that...but there it is--in black and white and for the historical record.

This was the weekend I officially gave up. Was it because they lost to the Cowboys in a purely comical fashion? My wife thought I was choking or something as a strange maniacal laugh crept up my throat and I couldn't stop laughing for two minutes as I watched Cowboys return man Bryan McCann return a punt...that was supposed to be downed inside the three yard line...97 yards for a touchdown. It seems the absurdity of that play kicked me over a final ledge.

The fact that the Lions have horrid coaching, talentless players, inept management and a seemingly blind obsession with losing in more despicable and ludicrous ways every week notwithstanding...I've always managed to maintain my fanaticism for the team.

I now have a bright and shiny new dream.

This is Thanksgiving weekend--a hallowed time in the city of Detroit. This is typically "firing" weekend at Ford Field.

My dream is named "Bill Parcells."

Now, before all of you deluded souls out there start screaming nonsense about how "it's only been two years" and "you have to give them time" and "look what they had to start with", let me say this, look what they have now.

Matt Millen was lauded across the country for drafting Charles Rogers, Joey Harrington, Roy Williams and Kevin Jones. Martin Mayhew is being lauded for Calvin Johnson (even though Megatron is a Millen pick), Matt Stafford, Jahvid Best and Kevin Smith. Is there any difference between these two groups? Really? Because I'm pretty sure that neither group ever knocked on the door of .500.

Both sets have been losers so far.

Parcells has left the Miami Dolphins and may be able to be brought into the Lions organization. Broom out Mayhew and Schwartz for a PROVEN WINNER. Parcells rebuilt the Giants, the Jets, the Patriots, the Cowboys, and the Dolphins. He turned every one of those teams into a playoff team.

Let me say that again...FIVE TEAMS, FIVE PLAYOFF TEAMS....five for five is 100%...I'm not a math wiz, but I'm pretty sure that a guy with a 100% track record has a much higher percentage chance of being successful than the guy who was trained by the WORST GM IN THE HISTORY OF SPORTS!

Parcells has flirted with the Ford's and the Lions organization before...rumor has it that he wants to go one more round in the NFL...the ultimate challenge in sports would be rebuilding the lowly Lions.

But it will most likely not happen. It is too obvious for the Ford's to look at. Instead, after the Lions are beaten by 238 points this Thursday in another horrible, horrible showing on Thanksgiving day...they'll spout some more nonsense about "patience" and "rebuilding" and all will stay the same...

Nothing will change, everything will stay the same...the Lions are losers.

Picks are looking pathetic.

I went a very poor 7-7 last week. Bringing my totals to 83-71.

Dolphins over Bears
Packers over Vikings
Titans over Skins
Chiefs over Cards
Ravens over Panthers
Bengals over Bills
Cowboys over Lions
Jets over Texans
Steelers over Raiders
Jags over Browns
Saints over Seahawks
Falcons over Rams
Niners over Bucs
Pats over Colts
Eagles over Giants
Chargers over Broncos

A little catch up

OK, due to the Lions having harpooned any real hope I've had for them getting better in my lifetime or the subsequent lifetimes of my children and grandchildren, I have been lax this week in regards to the Lions. This combined with the putting the finishing touches on a movie filmed last year and actually having to put in some real "work" at the paying gig...

I'm back today and apparently I haven't missed much. I believe I read somewhere that Matt Stafford had his right arm chewed off at the shoulder in a very freak hottubbing accident in Redford...of course I haven't been able to confirm this.

Let me cover the weekly running items that the Lions malaise sucked me of the energy to write on Monday.

3rd and 3 or less

The Lions couldn't run against the worst rush defense in the NFL...I think they should really start considering punting on second down. They've reached a dingy and faded new level of pathetic.

For the second week in a row, despite trying to "establish the run" the Lions abandoned the run on all 3rd and 3 or less situations. Going 2 of 5 passing. This brings their season totals to 9 of 14 (65%) rushing and 11 of 26 passing (42%). Keep up the good work guys...that's smart coaching...

Blocked punts?

Nope, didn't even come close.

Fade Stop?

Not a one.

Wouldn't it be great if the Lions had cheerleaders?

Yeah, it sure would...but the Lions and the Detroit metro area went another week without a single mention of the Detroit Pride.

Tales of the Inept

The Carolina Panthers (1-8) took another unholy beating from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Buffalo Bills (1-8) collected their first win of the season against the lowly and pathetic losers, the Lions.

It will not be long until the Lions are back on this list.

The only thing the Lions are good at is breeding apathy

We've been duped.

1. In the last three years, if the Lions are not providing the only win for the worst team in the league, they are proving that they can do being bad even better, by going winless.

2. The Bills are a bad team...awful. The Lions let them control the entire game. The Lions couldn't run against the team with the worst rushing defense in the NFL. What does that mean? I think it means that the Lions have to petition to play in Division 2A in order to have any hope of being able to run the ball.

3. The offensive line was supposed to be decent, instead they are decrepit.

4. Jahvid Best is not breaking any tackles...he has apparently decided to try and take Kevin Smith's place as "promising, but disappointing."

5. Megatron is supposed to be an all pro NFL receiver and yet he drops two passes in a row on what is supposed to be the game winning drive?

6. This was at least the third game in a row with 10+ penalties against the Lions. If that doesn't scream coaching problem, I don't know what does.

7. Uggg...I just don't care...the Lions....maybe tomorrow....

Items of note for Sunday and beyond

Shaun Hill did very admirably in his first stint as emergency Lions starting quarterback. Here is hoping he can do the same again on Sunday.

The Lions are not favored against an 0-8 Bills team...people all over the country are talking about how improved the Lions are...but obviously they don't really believe it. The Bills are giving 3 points to the Lions....ouch.

You've got to watch Johnson in this game--no, not Calvin or even Bryant...Steve Johnson. He's the leading receiver for the Bills. His numbers for this season, 41 catches, 554 yards, 6 TDs.

Kevin Smith, Jahvid Best and the offensive line should--I repeat, should--have a field day against the 32nd ranked run defense.

Ryan Fitzpatrick is starting at QB for the Bills now....he's a former Harvard grad. That's pretty much his only claim to fame in the NFL. On the field, he hasn't looked great.

The Lions currently can continue the Bills wretched season or help them stop it. As the only winless team in NFL history, let's hope the Lions continue the Bills' winless season attempt.

Why the Lions will run down the Bills...

The Return of the Kansas Kid

Here's hoping that Shaun Hill and his broken non-throwing forearm are healthy enough to take direct snaps this weekend. Of course there is always the million to one shot that he'll take every snap from the shotgun and the Lions will usher in a bright new day in NFL football with a sparkling new concept for NFL offenses...the return of the K-Gun or something....

Who am I kidding? Poor guy will probably have his withered arm ripped off and thrown into the stands some time in the second quarter.

Jahvid Best

The kid is due. Best scored five touchdowns in his first two games and has been held out of the endzone ever since. The Bills are currently ranked dead last in rushing defense. Something has got to give.

Calvin Johnson/Nate Burleson

Johnson's game against Revis last week showed the world something...Burleson can pick up the slack. The Buffalo Bills are currently ranked sixth against the pass, which would be good, if you didn't realize that teams aren't passing against them, because they're running out the clock in most cases. They don't pass, because they don't have to.

Either way, the Bills do not have good enough corners to contain both the Lions receivers.

Why the Bills will stampede the Lions...

Before I go into why the Bills will end their winless season against the Lions this weekend...much like the Rams ended their winless season last year against the Lions, let me say a few things about the future of the Detroit Lions.

It is not looking nearly as bright as it did a few scarce days ago.

From this point forward every fan and member of the Lions organization has have a nugget of terrifying fear that Stafford will go down again with the next hit for a long time...instantly ruining another season.

What do Colt McCoy, Chad Henne, Tavaris Jackson, Matt Schaub, Drew Brees, Charlie Batch, Brian Griese, Jake Plummer, Brett Favre, Randall Cunningham, Frank Reich and Joe Montana all have in common? They were all drafted in the second or third round.

And this is exactly what the Lions will begrudgingly have to do. Use a very vital draft pick to ensure that they have an able backup from now on. Sure Shaun Hill is signed for another year and the Kansas Kid has proven respectable, no doubt. But the fragility of Stafford means that you hope he'll stay injury free, but you're counting on Shaun Hill as your starter...and you cannot count on Drew Stanton to be your backup.

Drew Stanton

This is the main reason the Bills are salivating as they wait for the Lions to come into town. For all intents and purposes Drew Stanton is more a slow running back than a viable NFL quarterback. He has been in training for four years and he has yet to do more than generate a few fourth quarter preseason comebacks. A fourth quarter preseason come back is about as useful as racking up great intramural flag football stats.

They do not equate to the NFL.

@ Buffalo

Does that say enough? The Lions are still in the midst of a 24 game road losing streak. The Lions could be playing St. Peter's Blind Nunnery and if it were at the convent, I'd still be pretty worried.

The Bills

The Bills, though 0-8, have been playing very good football the last three weeks, but they seem to suffer a Lions complex...in other words they do their best to blow it in the end.

We'll see which team wants to win this one less.

Banner week for picks

In a mammoth comeback, I managed a 10-3 mark last week. This brings me up to a 76-54 record for the season. Again, looking a bit better than sucky...

Ravens over Falcons
Jags over Texans
Bears over Vikings
Bucs over Panthers
Bills over Lions
Jets over Browns
Titans over Dolphins
Colts over Bengals
Chiefs over Broncos
Giants over Cowboys
Cards over Seahawks
Rams over 49'ers
Steelers over Pats
Eagles over Redskins

A Eulogy for Matthew Stafford...

Let me first say this...injuries are going to happen in the NFL. The idea of having 200-350+ lb men running into each other at high speed a 100 or so times a game leads to inevitable contusions, broken bones, concussions, sprains and a boat load of other injuries.

Injuries are unavoidable, really. Who gets them and when is more luck than anything else. Or bad luck depending on if you're the injured or not.

Injuries are a big part of the game...but they are not a prominent feature in successful careers. Overcoming injuries and avoiding injuries all together are the hall mark of long lasting hall of fame careers.

Stafford has incurred four major injuries in the span of a mere 13 games. He, as of now, is officially "injury prone." This is probably the single worst label that can be pinned on an NFL player. He is not officially done this season, yet. That should happen later on today. Which means that in his two full seasons in the league, he will have played in just over a third of his possible games.

The saddest part for the Lions is that when Stafford has played, he's looked very good. He is a star quality NFL Franchise quarterback. He is the kind of player you build a team around.

But you cannot build around a player that is going to spend two thirds of his time on the bench.

Yes, the Lions can get Stafford surgery to repair his separated throwing shoulder and hope that he comes back strong and with no ill effects--it worked for Sam Bradford--but they cannot count on that happening. Furthermore, they cannot go another game, even another play, with Stafford on the field and not worry every time he takes a hit of any kind.

The tackle he was hurt on on Sunday was a normal football play, a pretty mild one at that.

You cannot have four "freak" injuries in the span of 13 games. After two, they cease to be "freak" and begin to be "alarming."

The Lions must begin making plans for the future that are not completely centered around the former franchise quarterback. Oh, sure they can hope he comes back healthy and dominating and everything they hoped he'd be...but they can no longer justifiably count on it.

Shaun Hill, the Kansas Kid, has proven to be a very reliable backup and the Lions will most likely rush him back onto the field, broken arm and all, with hopes of getting three or four more wins this season.

Drew Stanton has proven that he is not a viable backup in the NFL. Surely he will get chances to prove me wrong this season, but next April the Lions should--need to-- be looking for the second or third round quarterback that slips through the cracks. There seems to be one every year. Colt McCoy was last year and he's putting up good numbers and even winning with the Browns.

You can say that Stanton was one of those quarterbacks, but he was a Millen pick, and if you really believe that, I feel sorry for you.

Sure the hope is that Stafford comes back with a new shoulder and hasn't been destroyed by recurring injuries (Charles Rogers, anybody?). But plans have to be made to cope with the real chance that he doesn't. The Lions have managed to assemble too much talent to let it be wasted by the likes of a Drew Stanton or other third string nobody.

My hatred of the Lions has been fully renewed...

I know there are different players. I know that the coaching staff is completely changed. I know that we have new management and a new field and...it doesn't matter. These are the "Same old Lions." The Lions had a 10 point lead with just over four minutes left in the game. They couldn't get a first down to run out the clock. They threw incomplete passes to stop the clock and give the Jets more time and when the game was on the line and all they needed was one stop or one first down...they folded like a house of cards.

"Same Old Lions" a definition

1. Absolutely no skill or aptitude for a particular task or assignment; The "Same Old Lions" fail to run the ball. The "Same old Lions" are inept in regards to winning.

2. generally akward or clumsy; haplessly incompetent.

3. inappropriate; unsuitable, out of place.

4. absurd or foolish
5. Unable or unwilling to finish or complete a task

The "Same Old Lions" are a wallowing mass of failure that will creep up your leg and leave you diseased and confused. This is a team without the heart to finish games they clearly have in hand. This game against the Jets was the epitome, the very definition, of "Same Old Lions."

All week the team talked about how they were on the verge of confirming their legitimacy as a dangerous NFL football team--as a competent NFL football team. But alas, they blew it. They were beating a Super Bowl contending team by 10 points with a mere four minutes left in the game...and then, when all was well and good and right in the world...they pissed it away with stupid penalties, horrible blocking and downright stupid play calling.

This game is why the Lions have consistently lost even more fans than games over the last 10 years, if that's even possible.

What makes me most angry is that I bought into it. I looked at the schedule and saw hope for the first time in a very, very long time. But right on cue, the Lions doused any chance of that sticking around.

Oh, and they probably lost Stafford for another huge chunk of the season, if not the rest of the season.

1. I'm just going to come out and say this: Matt Stafford is more delicate than a China Doll. He has the strength and resiliency of paper mache. He is a good quarterback. He was outplaying the Sanchize up until the point he got hurt on an incredibly routine tackle. There was nothing malicious or rough about it. The guy just got tripped up as he left the pocket.

2. He is no longer "The Franchize," he is a $50 million injury settlement waiting to happen.

3. Why is the Lions' second option at kicker a 300 lb defensive tackle? Why not the punter? I'm sure that dude's kicked a few extra points in his career. Hey everybody! Before punters started taking the snaps for field goals, quarterbacks were typically the guys to do it. Are you saying Stanton can't hold for a damn field goal and Harris couldn't have kicked a ^&$^& extra point?!?!?

4. This game was the first one in a very long time that actually caused me to scream uncontrollably.

5. Stephen Peterman needs to go two or three games without a penalty, or else somebody needs to run that bastard over with a truck.

6. Why is Derrick Williams even on the roster? Guy has done nothing but draw game changing detrimental stupid penalties.

7. Why is Bryant Johnson still on the roster? Why do the Lions throw to him? He can't catch.

8. Dominic Raiola has played center long enough to know how to snap the ball and what is illegal and what is not in regards to that. His stupid double flinch was atrocious, but that he argued about it was imbecilic.

9. 3rd and 6 with two minutes left and a three point lead. Worst case scenario the Lions run the ball into the pile for no gain and burn 40 seconds off the clock...right? Nope, the Lions decide to pass, incomplete, and only take 5 seconds off the clock...that's solid game planning. Why the Lions weren't running the clock down to 2 seconds the entire fourth quarter is beyond me.

10. No, it's not beyond me. There's no mystery about it at all. The Lions weren't squeezing every last second out of the clock, because that's what good teams do. They seize control of the game and end it. They don't give the other team repeated chances to get back in it. The Lions didn't do it, because they're not a good team. They're not even good at pretending they are anymore.

3rd and 3 or less.

The Lions cannot run the ball...at all. The offensive line is pathetic and would probably have issues running against a team of ADHD toddlers. But still...the average NFL run is 4 yards a carry, the Lions border on 3. On 3rd and 3 or less...YOU RUN 90% of the time. You won't always get it, no team is effective 100% of the time, but you will get be successful a higher percentage of the time running than you will passing.

So the Lions faced the crucial down and distance only three times on Sunday and what did they do...passed all three times. 1 for 3 passing (albeit the one success was a touchdown, but that doesn't matter in this statistic) 0 for 0 running. On the season, the Lions are 9 of 14 (65%) rushing and 9 of 21 passing (48%) ...

Still haven't blocked a punt

I think the Lions may have actually attempted, once, to block a punt, but I can't be completely sure. Obviously, they weren't successful. They did manage some nice returns, when they weren't called back by stupid penalties.

And apparently the Kong is our new field goal kicker. This is how absurd the Lions are now.

Where is the fade stop?

The most dangerous foolproof play in football was completely ignored again this Sunday. I know Darrelle Revis is really good, but he can't out leap Megatron. Johnson is six inches taller than Revis...they couldn't get that to work...child, please...

Wouldn't it be great if the Lions had cheerleaders?

The Lions organization continues to ignore the attempts of the Pride to become a legitimate sideline cheer squad for Detroit. In my book, this is a huge crime by the Ford's--a crime against Detroit...a crime against humanity...

Oh wait, the Lions are the crime against humanity...no cheerleaders is a parking violation in comparison.

Tales of the Inept...

The Carolina Panthers (1-7) lost 34-3 to the New Orleans Saints as the John Fox farewell tour continues.

The Dallas Cowboys (1-7) lost 45-7 to the Packers in what should probably be Wade Phillips last game coaching the Cowboys. Just in time for the 'Boys to bounce back against the Lions in two weeks.

The Buffalo Bills (0-8) lost to the Chicago Bears 22-19. You don't think the Bills are foaming at the mouth waiting for a Drew Stanton led Lions team to show up next week?

Items of note for Sunday and beyond

The Lions can get out of the basement of the NFC North with a victory over the Jets and a loss by the Vikings to the Cardinals. I know...keep dreaming.

The Lions sold out this game against the Jets earlier than any other game in years. Many think there will be a playoff atmosphere at Ford Field this Sunday. That's funny...I used "Lions" and "Ford Field" and "playoffs" all in the same paragraph....

The Lions defensive line can be dominant in this game, but the Jets may still manage a decent running game because the Lions linebackers are so mediocre.

If the Lions can force Mark Sanchez to have to make plays in order to win...they'll be in really good shape.

If Ladanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene can combine for over 150 yards, the Lions will probably lose big.

The Jets wide receivers are pretty overrated. Guys like Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes have both shown flashes in their careers, but never been "THE" guy for anybody. This is a matchup that may favor the Jets against Chris Houston and Alphonso Smith...but it could be closer than you'd think.

Franchize vs Sanchize is a big show this Sunday, but don't put too much stock in the winner or loser. Sanchez comes in with a well established running game and the #1 defense in the league.

Farewell Sparky...

I miss Sparky already. I know he'd been out of the spotlight for a long time, but last year when he showed up for the 25th anniversary of the '84 Tigers it really brought back a lot of memories. He was a great man. He'll be missed by anyone who loves the old english "D".

I urge anyone who can to go out and read Anderson's book, "Bless You Boys" about the '84 Tigers.

Why the Lions will dismantle the Jets

The Defensive Line is looking dominant

The Lions had seven sacks last week against the Redskins--two each by Vanden Bosch, Suh and Avril. Why no sacks for Corey Williams? Because he was the one being double teamed all day leaving the others free in one on one matchups.

Unless the Jets start employing an innovative 9 man offensive line formation, the Lions will be in the backfield with the Sanchize.

Both Willams and Suh demand double teams, if you fail to double either one...one of them will be in the backfield picking his teeth with the broken bones of your quarterback at some point in the game.

Megatron vs Revis Island

Darrelle Revis is the best corner back in the NFL. He is no longer holding out and he is no longer injured. He will be faced up routinely against Calvin Johnson.

This is Johnson's time to prove he is an elite receiver in the NFL. Players prove that they are the best by beating the best. There should be no shortage of motivation for Johnson to play his best game of his career.

The Lions need this one

This is hardly a legitimate reason to proclaim a pending Lions victory, but in a town that has put up with ten years of epic ineptitude, a win against a potential Super Bowl team would be monumental. And it's not completely out of the question. Last week the Jets didn't just lose to the Packers...they were shut out...at home.

Mark Sanchez is a media darling and I'm sure lots of women like to look at him...but he is still very early in his career development at quarterback and he has had very rough stretches this season.

And he has never faced the Kong before either.

I'm hoping...hoping I haven't jinxed them.

Why the Jets will blow past the Lions...

Now the race is on. The race between the Lions and Vikings to see who can escape the NFC North cellar first.

Granted, the Vikings probably have a much better chance of breaking out this week than the Lions. They face off against a struggling Arizona Cardinals team, while the Lions play the NY Jets, a team with Super Bowl aspirations...but the Jets were beaten last weekend by the Packers in an ugly, ugly 9-0 game.

The Sanchize

Mark Sanchez was drafted just four picks behind the Franchize, but because he was drafted by the Jets, a team with an already dominant defense and a running game, people tend to believe that Sanchez is the better quarterback. After all, he's already been to the playoffs and has been in a GQ spread with that model. These are good reasons to think that way...but it isn't true.

Sanchez has had good stretches this year, but for the most part he has struggled mightily with the Jets offense. For instance, they were shut out last week against the Packers...a team the Leos put 26 points on the board against.

By the way, to any ladies who read my blog, I thought that pic of the Sanchize might be some kind of small consolation for all the cheer babes I post.

Darrelle Revis

Revis is the best corner in the NFL. He will be locked up all day with Megatron. This is the hardest assignment Calvin has every gone up against. This game will probably boil down to how the best corner in the game matches up against the physical freak that is Megatron. Revis has shut down Moss, T.O., Chad Ochocinco...pretty much everyone he has ever faced. If he takes away Megatron from the Lions it could be a long, long day.

Amari Spievey?

As much as I have no confidence in C.C. Brown and have called for Spievey to get more playing time, the fact that the former Iowa corner will now be the Lions full time safety has me more than a little worried.

Amari was victimized on more than a few occasions after he was called to duty on Sunday. He has to step up his game from now on...and hopefully we'll be seeing the future of a very good, young secondary.

I can hope, can't I?

A respectable week for picks

Not as bad as some weeks, not as good as another...I went 8-5 last week, bringing my season totals to 66-51...not too shabby.

Falcons over the Bucs
Saints over Panthers
Bears over Bills
Jets over Lions
Ravens over Dolphins
Patriots over Browns
Chargers over Texans
Vikings over Cards
Giants over Seahawks
Colts over Eagles
Chiefs over Raiders
Packers over Cowboys
Steelers over Bengals

Interviewing Randy Moss...

Well, after Randy Moss told the media that he'd only be asking himself questions from now on, I figured I'd just watch and see how the interview of the schizophrenic went.

Randy Moss: Hello, I'm glad you all could make it here today....especially me. I'm really glad I'm here today...in Boston still, I guess.

RM: Randy, how do you feel about being waived by Brad Childress yesterday?

Randy Moss: I was what? That dude done me wrong. Are you serious?

RM: Yes, you were officially released by the Vikings yesterday.

Randy Moss: Wow....I can't believe it. They give any reason?

RM: The details have been shaky, Randy. But I heard them say something about you not buying into the offense, not putting forth a good effort and being generally lethargic. Not paying attention.

Randy Moss: Not paying attention. They got that all wrong. I been telling the coaches all week what to look out for in New England. I told'em all about this dude they got named Tom...Tom Somebody...dude is good. And they didn't listen. It was like they thought they knew that already.

RM: I can't believe they wouldn't listen to you.

Randy Moss: I know man, right? Coach Bellichek is the greatest coach ever. Way better than my coach now...I don't even know that dude's name. Burt or Bennie or...whatever. Dude's a loser.

RM: That's pretty much what you said in your press conference. You think that might have had something to do with you getting cut?

Randy Moss: I said that....I can't remember anything from yesterday...I was so high! What's your name again? You seem cool. I wanna hang with you.

RM: Randy Moss.

Randy Moss: Hey, that's my name! That is so weird.

RM: I know, man. I'm a really big fan!

At this point everything just degenerated into a Randy Moss self-love fest and I got kind of nauseous.

Randy Moss - Post game interview

Yesterday, Randy Moss took crazy and prima-donna wide receiver-ness to a whole new level in his post game comments. Today, he has been waived by the Vikings. Tomorrow, I plan to have an interview with Randy Moss...well, he'll interview himself and then give me the answers.

Transcript:



"I'm going to go ahead and start this thing off. I'm going to go ahead and say this. I think I said something a couple weeks ago. Look, I got fined $25,000 for not speaking to you all. Me personally, I really don't care. But at the same time, I do answer questions throughout the week. For the league to fine me $25,000, I'm not going to answer any more questions for the rest of this year. If it's going to be an interview, I'm going to conduct. So I'll answer my own questions. I'll ask myself the questions, then give y'all the answers. So from here on out, I'm not answering any more questions for the rest of this season. Enough said of that, now we'll get to the game.

"Let me hold it down. Alright. I really haven't had a chance to talk to the guys, so this is no disrespect to the Minnesota Vikings and their organization. The captains, Wilfolk, Tommy Boy, Mayo, Kevin Faulk, man I miss them guys, man, I miss the team. It was hard for me to come here and play. It's been an up and down roller coaster emotionally for me all week. And then to be able to come in here and see those guys, running plays and I know what they're doing, and the success they had on the field, the running game, so I kind of know what type of feeling they have on their locker room, man. I just want to be able to tell the guys, I miss the hell out of them, every last helmet in that locker room.

"I mean, Deion Branch came up to me after the game. I've never had a chance to meet Deion Branch, but it was definitely a pleasure to meet him. Coach Belichick, he gave me an opportunity to be a part of something special. That's something I really take to heart. I actually salute coach Belichick and his team and the success they've had before me, during me and after me. So I'm actually stuck for words, just because of the fact that, man, this is just, a lot of memories here. To the New England Patriots fans, that ovation at the end of the game, that really felt heart-warming. I think I actually shedded a tear for that.

"Like I said, it's been an emotional roller coaster all week. Tried to prepare, tried to talk to the players and coaches about how this game was going to be played, couple tendencies here and a couple tendencies here. The bad part about it, is you have six days to prepare for a team, and on the seventh day, that Sunday, meaning today, I guess they come over and say, 'Dag Moss, I guess you was right about a couple plays and a couple schemes they were going to run.' And it hurts as a player, that you put a lot of hard work in during the week, and at the end of the week, Sunday, when you get on the field, that's when they acknowledge about the hard work that you put in throughout the week. That's actually a disappointment.

"I can't really say enough about this team and this organization. I met with Mrs. Kraft before the game because I really didn't have a chance to talk to her before I left. I thanked Mrs. Kraft for letting me have the opportunity to be a part of something special. The New England Patriots have always been a special organization and I've always watched from afar.

"When I got drafted by Minnesota, and I think I said this a couple weeks ago, I think I felt obligated to bring a Super Bowl to Minnesota. And this season is still not over. Do I know what next season and the future is going to bring? No, I do not. But all I can say is that it's a lot of work that we leave on the field each day.

"There is a lot of film study that we leave in that room each day. I know how hard these guys work in New England and the only thing that I really tried to do was take what the best coach in football history has brought upon me, or the knowledge that he's given me about the game of football, and I tried to sprinkle it off to the guys the best way I know how. So I'm going to go ahead and end this interview, I have my family to see.

"Definitely down that we lost this game because I didn't expect us to lose this game knowing that we had a few things that we had to clean up. But like I said, they played a good game. I wish we could have had that three at the end of the half. Maybe it could have been different. Maybe not. I don't know how many more times I'm going to be up here in New England, but I'm going to leave the New England Patriots, coach Belichick, man, with a salute. Man, I love you guys. I miss you. I'm out."

Welcome to November...month of the Kong.

This week's article is much more difficult to write due to the local blackout, but going from what I imagined, while listening to the game from right to left on my radio dial, here is what I ascertained.

1. Kong! Two sacks, five tackles, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Suh currently leads all defensive tackles in the NFL in sacks...he is well on his way to a defensive rookie of the year award.

2. The Lions should never ever again kick off to Brad Banks or Tony Banks or whatever Banks that guy was...because they can't cover kickoffs.

3. Stafford came back and looked really rusty. Sure he threw four touchdown passes and had a QB rating of over 90. But he dropped back 45 times and accounted for only 215 yards. That's only 4.8 yards per attempt. The good quarterbacks are usually up at 7 or 8. He's got a way to go.

4. I hope I'm not wrong, but I foresee another 3000 Stafford to Johnson touchdown calls.

5. Who was this guy that showed up in a Kevin Smith uniform, because he looked a hell of a lot better than the real Kevin Smith.

6. Nate Burleson needs to start thinking more about ball security and less about looking good.

7. The Lions are still committing way too many penalties. It might work against the Redskins, who have a penchant for giving away games that they should win, but it won't work against the Jets next week and there's no way it'll ever work against the Patriots in a few weeks.

8. The Redskins play an ugly brand of football and then they drag you down to their level. How this team beat the Packers is beyond me. How this team is 4-4 is a huge mystery.

9. An optimist would say the Lions are now tied for third place in the NFC North...but it's still the cellar. The Lions, now 2-5, are tied for last with the Minnesota Vikings. I bet those guys are really glad they flew down to Kiln to talk the Devil out of hunting squirrel and into coming back and playing for them. He has looked lousy. And it makes me smile.

10. If it wasn't sweet enough to get a win...it looks like the Lions may have lost C.C. Brown for the season too. Now, I'm not happy the guy got hurt. I'd never wish misery on anybody. But the Lions are now pretty much forced to put Amari Spievey out on the field now to see if he can be the long time safety partner to Delmas. I don't know if Spievey is the guy, but I do know that Brown wasn't.

3rd and 3 or less

The Lions did awful on third down in general, but they were also fairly pitiful on 3rd and 3 or less. The Lions were 1 of 3 rushing and 1 of 4 passing. That brings the season totals to 9 of 14 rushing and 8 of 18 passing. My theory that running the ball on 3rd and 3 or less 90% of the time is much more promising than passing is looking really good.

Still haven't blocked a punt

Not only will the Lions seemingly never block a punt, mostly from pure lack of trying, but it appears that they no longer have the ability to cover a kickoff either. Banks had two kickoff returns for touchdowns yesterday (one was called back on a penalty) . That's really, really bad special teams.

Wouldn't it be great if the Lions had cheerleaders?

Beyond the fact that the game was blacked out in the Detroit market another reason that most Lions fans should have hoped for an away game against the Redskins, besides the chance of ending the road losing streak, is the fact that the Redskins have one of the preeminent cheer squads in the NFL. Most impressive.

Where's the fade stop?

Now, I can't really complain about the Lions not using the most unstoppable play in the modern era of football this week. One, because I didn't actually "see" the game and can't tell you how close they came to running it. Also, Megatron had three touchdown catches on the day. The Lions coaching staff was doing a pretty good job of using him...you can't argue with results.

Tales of the Inept

Every year the Lions race to their version of the Super Bowl--eagerly losing game after game after game to secure the highest possible pick...but so far this year, even though the Lions have only managed a measly two victories, they are far behind in their annual race to total ineptitude.

1-6 Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys rolled over and took everything the Jaguars wanted to give them. Then they crawled under a rock. Currently, they are waiting to see if Wade Phillips will be fired before Tuesday.

1-6 Carolina Panthers - The Panthers lost to the Rams....the team the Lions trounced just three weeks ago. Poor John Fox, a good coach who'll be looking for work after the season.

0-7 Buffalo Bills - The Bills scared me yesterday, taking the Kansas City Chiefs deep into overtime before losing. As much as I hope that the Bills will join the Lions in history as another completely winless team...they've fought pretty hard these last two weeks.

Items of note for Sunday and beyond

For the first time this season the Detroit local market will be unable to see their Honolulu and Blue warriors due battle...who am I kidding? This might be a good thing. It's probably safer for our hearts and minds. Sure the Lions have spent all week ramping up hope for the rest of the season, but that doesn't mean anything unless it is all backed up with wins.

And if they are unable to do that, there could possibly be a huge backlash...if we could see it.

On the other hand, if it's all true. If all of the planets have aligned...we're going to miss it. And that's a real bummer. Just like last season, when the Lions ended the horrible record breaking losing streak against these same Redskins and the entire metro area had to hear about it second hand...

Bobby Carpenter

It appears, according to several reports, that Carpenter was brought in, not for depth, but more importantly to compete for a starting spot at linebacker. This is a desperate act by a team that is in desperate straights in the middle of their defense.

DeAndre Levy will come back this week, but has been out for pretty much the entire season with groin and ankle injuries. Who knows how long he'll last. Zach Follett was put on the injured reserve list and lost for the season after his near paralyzing neck injury against the Giants. And Julian Petersen has not exactly played up to expectations so far this season.

The Lions already know that linebacker would be one of the top priorities heading into the off season, but they are hoping that they may get lightning in a bottle with Carpenter, another former high round draft pick discarded by his original team. Much like the Lions hope with the acquisitions of Alphonso Smith and Chris Houston...who so far have been fairly impressive...the hope is that Carpenter can become part of the future in the Lions land of misfit toys.

The return of the bomb?

There is a going theory at the moment that with the return of a healthy Franchize and Megatron the Lions may go to a much simpler offensive plan. Instead of having Megatron constantly double and triple teamed on intermediate routes, the best option may be to have him use his 4.3 speed and blaze right past everybody on straight line deep routes which will take full advantage of Stafford's massive cannon of an arm. Here's hoping.

Why the Lions will trounce the Redskins...

Matthew Stafford is back. Jahvid Best doesn't have any issues with his toes. Nobody has said word one this week about Calvin Johnson's shoulder.

It looks like the Bone Mites and radioactive syphilis have cleared up in the Lions locker room. Everything is looking up--although the Lions did announce yesterday that the "Pain Train," Zach Follett, has been put on IR and lost for the season.

Follett will be replaced by any number of nobodies and rejects--Ashlee Palmer, Landon Johnson, or the newcomer dark horse, Bobby Carpenter.

In other words, the Lions are pretty healthy right now--this should last for approximately one quarter on Sunday. That's Lions' luck.

The Redskins themselves...

Reason #1 to be hopeful this Sunday is the Redskins. This is a team that got trounced by the same team the Lions beat by 38 a few weeks ago. This is a team that needed a miraculous four interceptions to beat the Bears by a mere touchdown.

And furthermore, this is a team that historically has rolled over and died against teams that it technically should be favored to beat. And the Lions certainly fall into that category.

The Franchize

It cannot be overstated how much the Lions really need Matthew Stafford to be good and, more importantly, to stay healthy for the rest of the season. The Lions need his cannon arm to be firing bombs all over Ford Field on Sunday and for the rest of the season. Progress must be made.

If Stafford can look as good as he did in training camp and the preseason, the Lions will be in good shape. If he cracks like a china dish under pressure, we're screwed...possibly for years to come.

Jahvid Best

With Stafford back and the real threat of a vertical passing game, the underneath and running lanes should open up quite a bit for the rookie running back. Best started the season with five touchdown in the first two games, but hasn't gotten into the end zone since.

Best missed Stafford as much as anyone and should hopefully return to his spectacular rookie season, which was on track for an offensive rookie of the year award.

Why the Redskins will scalp the Lions...

Now, if you put aside all of the loose talk in the media jinxing the crap out of the Detroit Lions, the Lions look like things are definitely swinging in the up direction.

I will not go out on the crazy limbs that some local writers and players are hinting at. There will be no use of the "P" word here.

I will say these few positives though...

1. The Lions are healthier now than most teams in the NFL. Currently it looks like the only starter who won't be able to suit up this Sunday is Zach Follet and, frankly, he wasn't playing all that well to begin with.

2. The schedule looks very favorable. The Lions play six of the final ten games this season at home--including every divisional game. Furthermore, aside from the Patriots on Thanksgiving and the New York Jets, there doesn't appear to be any games that should make the Lions nervous. The Packers are riddled with injuries. The Bears are a complete charade. The Vikings are dealing with an injury to the Devil. The Cowboys are without Tony Romo. The Bills are awful. The Redskins lost to the Rams...the same team the Lions just beat the holy crap out of.

But these are the Lions and they will most likely prove us all wrong. No matter how bright the fire of hope is, the Lions always have a bigger bucket of water to put it out.

DeAngelo Hall

Hall had four interceptions last week. He is a wily veteran who could pray on a young developing quarterback like the Franchize--remember this will still only be Stafford's twelfth start in his career.

In fact the entire Redskins secondary is fairly impressive. Safety Laron Landry is a punishing hitter who demands respect. But none of that will matter if the Redskins defensive line can't generate some push.

But wait...

Albert Haynesworth

There was an unusual sighting of a man mountain in the middle of the Redskins defensive line. The much maligned defensive tackle has been a huge enigma for Washington this season. As he has continually complained about his role in the new Skins defense and tried to cross new head coach Mike Shanahan at every possible turn.

If Haynesworth shows up, he will be a force and could easily dominate the much smaller Dominic Raiola.

Donavon McNabb

Now the Lions have a way of turning every quarterback they face into a future hall of famer, but McNabb is probably already on his way to Canton. McNabb is another savvy veteran who should be able to take advantage of the Lions young and still infantile secondary.

McNabb represents two qualities the Lions have never been good at dealing with...mobility and respectability.

Losing steam with NFL Picks...and I didn't have any to begin with

Last week was another sub-mediocre showing for the SSR picks department as I went 7-7 to bring my season totals up to 58-46--not good. But better than some local celebrities...

Jets over Packers
Jags over Cowboys
Rams over Panthers
Chiefs over Bills
Patriots over Vikings
Bucs over Cards
Colts over Texans
Broncos over 49'ers
Dolphins over Bengals
Redskins over Lions
Titans over Chargers
Raiders over Seahawks
Steelers over Saints

Items of note for Sunday and beyond

Sorry, the bye week has really got me swamped with other work...but let me leave you this weekend to think about two strange stories that surfaced this week.

Scott Mitchell is a high school football coach in Utah. This is probably a story in and of itself, but not what perplexes me though. It appears he's still just as gutless as ever.

And in other news...Mike Ditka and Joe Paterno think in light of all the stories about concussions this week...the NFL should just give up on helmets all together...Well, more to the point, facemasks. They'd be perfectly happy with leather helmets.

Why the Lions can win the BYE...

The most important thing to come out of the BYE will be the health of The Franchize. The fact that he'll be starting at home against Washington on Halloween day...will lead to a painful amount of Lions/Costumes stories...It will really be disgusting. "Were these the real Lions or were they in disguise?" That kind of crap, that is way too easy and frankly stomach turning.

A full Arsenal for Stafford

But that's a side note...what's important is that he'll be taking every practice snap for the next two weeks and will be throwing to a full complement of receivers. Burleson, Megatron, Scheffler, and Pettigrew--all healthy, all will be playing. Jahvid Best, Kevin Smith, and Jerome Felton--all completely healthy.

The offense that the Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz and Scott Linehan drew up in the off season will be on the field on Halloween...at least for the first snap. After that, who knows.

Will the machine click and pop like it is supposed to? We can only hope, but what will be certain, they won't have any excuses for the offense left.

DeAndre Levy will be back

Levy has been missing since the middle of training camp. The man written in as the starting middle linebacker since the end of last season has only played a handful of snaps all season. He has come out and said that he will be back after the bye against Washington. We can only hope...what's more we can only hope that he is what we hope...if that makes any sense.

Levy is currently nothing but aspirations. The Lions hope he can be what they think he is. We haven't seen anything to say if those hopes are based in any kind of foundation either way yet.

The Lions also signed former first round pick and star Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter this week. Carpenter has been tossed in the garbage by three different NFL teams...we'll see if he has anything in the tank as Zach Follet will most likely still be sidelined from that nasty hit he took last Sunday, which left him in a New Jersey hospital after the game.

Special Teams!

Stefan Logan appears to be the second coming of the smurfs. He is a tiny man who is very good at getting lost on kickoff and punt returns. He is one of the big reasons the special teams are actually turning into a positive this season, where as in the past they were largely ignored.

If only we could block a punt one of these days.

The Pride

The Ford's could win the BYE if they came out positively in favor of the home town ladies who are trying to push the organization into getting a full time pep squad. Cheers to you, ladies!

Why the BYE will destroy the Lions...

In past years I have always written about how the Lions will probably lose every week, including the bye. Why is this? Because strange, strange things seem to happen when the Lions don't have a game.

Charles Rogers, in the midst of a rookie season that seemed like it would lead to a rookie of the year award, gets tangled up with a player during practice and falls down -- and breaks his collar bone. Rogers is never really ever heard from again....unless you count the police blogs.

So...

Injuries...

The Lions must carefully guard against injuries this week. Yes, the Franchize is supposed to start practicing again this week, taking all of the snaps after spraining his throwing shoulder in the second quarter of the first game of the season.

This would seem to be the perfect "Lions' time" time for something incredibly stupid to happen in order to set Stafford back again...probably for the rest of the season. The Kong may get to close to him and his awesome gravity may knock the quarterback down again on his shoulder...who knows? Dude may trip in the parking lot on the way into the training facility in Allen Park...Schwartz, put Matt in a bubble. That's all I'm saying.

Furthermore, put Ndamukong Suh in a bubble too. The man is a beast and in the tradition of outstanding Lions rookies...he may get hit my a falling piece of space debris or something. Hide him in your basement...

The Penalties will not be corrected...

If the coaching staff is unable to pound, perhaps physically with a rubber mallet, the stupid penalties out of this group of guys, the losing will continue. Offsides and illegal formation penalties are really unforgivable. Unnecessary roughness and personal foul penalties should result in player fines.

Some new and sadistic tactic needs to take hold of the coaching staff that will produce results in the minds of the players. Winning teams do not get penalized back into the stone age.

Some new blood?

Now the trading deadline has officially passed and the Lions sat with their hands in their back pockets and looked away when it did. The linebacker position for the Lions this season has been manned mostly by untrained chimps. Zack Follett has been learning on the job, but he has not shown much progress and now he's been injured in what was an ugly head to head collision. There is a strong possibility that the bye week will not be enough time off for the "pain train" to clear his head and play again.

DeAndre Levy is hopeful to return in two weeks, but the Lions have been saying that since training camp, so who knows?

Two of the three linebacker positions are major question marks. Martin Mayhew has to comb the waiver wire now and find somebody with a pulse who can fill the proper gaps and make a play every once in a while.

I'll be holding my breath for the next two weeks.