Last off season, Calvin Johnson retired from the NFL. Citing the recurring injuries to his knees and legs, he walked away. And more power to him. I read an interview with him and he said there were times when he could only shuffle around his house the day after a game because his legs and knees were in such bad shape. As a fan of the team he played for, the Detroit Lions, it brought flashbacks to the last great offensive athlete to wear the uniform. Barry Sanders also walked away with seemingly years left to play. We, as fans, have to respect the athletes' decisions as tough as they may be to deal with. Tomorrow your favorite athlete can make a retirement announcement and that is just something we have to deal with. Some fans get mad at these decisions, others just deal with it, and others worry about the future of the team. When Johnson retired, most people wondered what it would do to the team. How would the team look with him gone. And you know what, it seems to be just fine. At least the start of the season anyway.
Before I delve into this post, let us be clear: Calvin Johnson was a once in a generation talent, but was so humble and team oriented that he wasn't a diva. Not a Keyshawn Johnson. Not a Terrell Owens. Not a Chad Johnson. Not a Dez Bryant. You see some players that are so talented, but they are so self-centered that they distract from the team. Watching interviews with Johnson, he always seemed to focus on the team winning. It didn't matter if he had a three touchdown, one hundred fifty yard receiving game or a game where he caught one ball for five yards. He wanted to win. He wasn't always wanting the ball. He didn't want Matt Stafford to throw to him first and then maybe throw to someone else. Stafford would throw to him when he shouldn't have at times because Johnson had the ability to go up and catch balls that no one has the right to go up and get. The best ever was against the Bengals when he was triple (almost quadruple) covered and Stafford hit him for a fifty yard touchdown. Bananas. Look it up.
Because he was so talented, the team seemed to have a tendency to lean on him for clutch situations. When you do that, other teams know that and focus mainly on that. The Lions have won four games so far this season. In all those games, they were trailing near the end of the game. I'm not going to go through and look at all the details, but what I know is that Stafford is spreading the ball around at the end of the game. He is taking charge, finding different receivers, and putting the defense on their heels. In the past, they could focus on Calvin Johnson. Because that is who everyone in the universe knew Stafford was going to look for at the end of the game. Now that Johnson is gone, he has other options. And he did have other options in years past, but you lean on your talent.
After the grieving period of Calvin Johnson's retirement, I came to the realization that the Lions could be better off without him. That's not to say they're going to win eleven or twelve games (because they still aren't great), but it helps to develop other players. There were plays that they could take off because Calvin Johnson was such a focus for the team. Now they can focus more on spreading the ball around. It allows the team to be more fluid. It's almost like a team should be. Not just a quarterback looking for a singular player, but a quarterback that has options. More offensive weapons means more chances to win. Stafford has always had the ability to throw the ball to whomever and wherever he wanted, but with Johnson retiring, he could take the next step to becoming a top tier quarterback. So it's good for him as well.
The Lions are always going to be the Lions. Every year they win eight or nine games will be considered a successful year. If they win ten or eleven games will be outstanding. Will they ever win a Super Bowl? It seems unlikely, but then again, no one ever expected the Chicago Cubs to make it to the World Series yet here we are.
Showing posts with label Detroit Lions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit Lions. Show all posts
27 October 2016
23 December 2012
Lions and Tigers
Watching the Detroit Lions struggle through the game last night against Atlanta, I couldn't help but draw comparisons to the Tigers from 2007 (and 2008, 2009, 2010). Last year, the Lions made the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and gave the fan base hope that the worst was behind them. The Tigers made it to the World Series in 2006 before missing the playoffs the next four years, once again giving fans hope. Both seasons after the playoff year for the teams were a kick to the gut and ego. For the teams and the fans.
After the Lions made the playoffs last year, it seemed that everyone was high on them. From fans to the sports talking heads to the people within the organization, they were all ready to see consistent runs into the playoffs. And not just one and done years, but to go deep in the playoffs. The offense is there and ready for a shootout any given Sunday, but the defense is not. The lack of discipline and injuries week after week exposed them for what they really are: an immature group that needs to stay focused for sixteen weeks and beyond. Short of going out and getting free agents, they will have to build their defense through the draft. And by the time they develop some middle of the pack draft picks, the offense will need help. It's a vicious cycle.
As a lifelong fan of Detroit sports teams, I have grown custom to disappointment. The exception being the Red Wings who struggled when I was younger and I have little recollection of the 'Dead Wing' era as my dad called them. Outside of the Wings, the only championships I actually remember are all from the Pistons...and I can't stand basketball. Sure the Tigers won in 1984, but I was two at the time and as much as I would love to say I remember that year, not so much. I want to base my sports championship memories on World Series and Super Bowl wins, not just Stanley Cups and whatever the basketball championship trophy is called.
After the Lions made the playoffs last year, it seemed that everyone was high on them. From fans to the sports talking heads to the people within the organization, they were all ready to see consistent runs into the playoffs. And not just one and done years, but to go deep in the playoffs. The offense is there and ready for a shootout any given Sunday, but the defense is not. The lack of discipline and injuries week after week exposed them for what they really are: an immature group that needs to stay focused for sixteen weeks and beyond. Short of going out and getting free agents, they will have to build their defense through the draft. And by the time they develop some middle of the pack draft picks, the offense will need help. It's a vicious cycle.
As a lifelong fan of Detroit sports teams, I have grown custom to disappointment. The exception being the Red Wings who struggled when I was younger and I have little recollection of the 'Dead Wing' era as my dad called them. Outside of the Wings, the only championships I actually remember are all from the Pistons...and I can't stand basketball. Sure the Tigers won in 1984, but I was two at the time and as much as I would love to say I remember that year, not so much. I want to base my sports championship memories on World Series and Super Bowl wins, not just Stanley Cups and whatever the basketball championship trophy is called.
08 January 2012
I've seen this before
Of course everyone knows about the Detroit Lions' 0-16 season. There wasn't a week that went by this year that some sports talking head didn't mention it. And with good reason, they were the first team to do so. Not the first team to go without a win in a season, that would be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just the first to go 0-16. This year was great for the Lions as they went 10-6 and made it to the playoffs. They played last night and were bested by the better team, the New Orleans Saints. Going in, there was a small part of me that believed they could pull it off, but for the most part, I knew that they were major underdogs. My wife put it best with this: 'Your heart wanted them to win, but your brain knew better.' And it's true, if I were to have bet on the game, I would have gone with New Orleans. It was a good season and they have come a long way from three years ago going 0-16. The bar has been set for years to come with this playoff berth and it reminds me of one other team.
The Detroit Tigers in 2006 started playing unconscious baseball in October and made it to the World Series only to lose to St. Louis. Three years prior to the World Series, they put up the most losses by an American League team in the history of baseball. After 2006, Tigers fans have expectations that their team will make it to the post season. They got that taste and now want it every year. They were close for several years before getting back this year. It use to be that if the Tigers won half of the games during the year it was successful. Now, making it to the playoffs is a successful year. If the playoff runs continue, how long before making it to the World Series is considered normal and expected?
The Lions might be on the same path. Their fans have tasted the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and even though they didn't win, it was a successful season. The fans will want postseason play every year now. It is going to be very difficult for them to make the playoffs every year because they play in a conference with Green Bay (same division) and New Orleans, two very tough teams built to go to the Super Bowl every year. The Tigers have an advantage because they are on top of their division and built to stay there for some time.
There is a shorter season in the NFL, so mistakes are more glaring than during the MLB season. Going through a six or seven game losing streak in baseball can be recoverable, not in football. A three game losing skid can derail a team's playoff hopes. If the Lions continue to stay healthy, draft smart, beat the teams they are suppose to beat (and beat one or two that they aren't suppose to) they will continue to make their fan base happy.
Seven and eight wins in a season is not going to be the rule anymore for the Lions. Nine or ten wins will be. Making the playoffs is a good start and a good turn around for the franchise and it'll do for a few years, but it will only be a matter of time before just making the playoffs won't be enough. The fans will want wins. One win, then two, then a conference championship. And who knows, eventually they will make a run to the Super Bowl.
And win.
The Detroit Tigers in 2006 started playing unconscious baseball in October and made it to the World Series only to lose to St. Louis. Three years prior to the World Series, they put up the most losses by an American League team in the history of baseball. After 2006, Tigers fans have expectations that their team will make it to the post season. They got that taste and now want it every year. They were close for several years before getting back this year. It use to be that if the Tigers won half of the games during the year it was successful. Now, making it to the playoffs is a successful year. If the playoff runs continue, how long before making it to the World Series is considered normal and expected?
The Lions might be on the same path. Their fans have tasted the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and even though they didn't win, it was a successful season. The fans will want postseason play every year now. It is going to be very difficult for them to make the playoffs every year because they play in a conference with Green Bay (same division) and New Orleans, two very tough teams built to go to the Super Bowl every year. The Tigers have an advantage because they are on top of their division and built to stay there for some time.
There is a shorter season in the NFL, so mistakes are more glaring than during the MLB season. Going through a six or seven game losing streak in baseball can be recoverable, not in football. A three game losing skid can derail a team's playoff hopes. If the Lions continue to stay healthy, draft smart, beat the teams they are suppose to beat (and beat one or two that they aren't suppose to) they will continue to make their fan base happy.
Seven and eight wins in a season is not going to be the rule anymore for the Lions. Nine or ten wins will be. Making the playoffs is a good start and a good turn around for the franchise and it'll do for a few years, but it will only be a matter of time before just making the playoffs won't be enough. The fans will want wins. One win, then two, then a conference championship. And who knows, eventually they will make a run to the Super Bowl.
And win.
04 October 2011
A better win
I meant to write this a few days ago as a follow up to my post about the Lions' win against Minnesota not being a good win because they shouldn't fall behind a bad team like that.
This past Sunday, the Detroit Lions fell behind the Dallas Cowboys early and looked to be at the end of their perfect beginning of their season. With a combination of collapse and comeback, they ended up winning the game. I was scared about the game because I saw how far behind they were and thought 'well, Dallas knows what they're doing, the Lions will be three and one and that will be respectable.'
This was a better win for the Lions because the Cowboys are so much better than the Vikings. Because the defense carried the offense for the majority of the game and sparking the comeback with two pick sixes. And because of Calvin Johnson's one on three touchdown catch. Seriously, there were three Cowboys defenders around him in the end zone and he comes up with it? Beast mode my friends.
Beast mode.
This past Sunday, the Detroit Lions fell behind the Dallas Cowboys early and looked to be at the end of their perfect beginning of their season. With a combination of collapse and comeback, they ended up winning the game. I was scared about the game because I saw how far behind they were and thought 'well, Dallas knows what they're doing, the Lions will be three and one and that will be respectable.'
This was a better win for the Lions because the Cowboys are so much better than the Vikings. Because the defense carried the offense for the majority of the game and sparking the comeback with two pick sixes. And because of Calvin Johnson's one on three touchdown catch. Seriously, there were three Cowboys defenders around him in the end zone and he comes up with it? Beast mode my friends.
Beast mode.
25 September 2011
Not a good win
Now, don't get me wrong, this week's win against the Vikings was excellent. It was exasperating, it was inspiring, it was stress inducing, it was only possible against the Vikings. This is the pattern for the Vikings so far this year, and you know what, I'm not gonna complain. The Vikings are 0-3 after blowing three straight games when leading big time at halftime.
However, if the Lions were down by twenty to the world champion Green Bay Packers, they would have just poured it on and the Lions could have lost by thirty or more. If they were playing the Pats and were down by twenty at the half, it could have been worse. But it wasn't, thankfully. I know that the Vikings are fast starters so far this year and can't close the game even against a college team, but the fact that the Lions had that many problems against a team that is so much worse than them, it's scary to think about what is gong to happen when they play good teams.
The big factor from what I saw was their inability to stop the running game. I know it was against the best back in the game right now, but it was hard to watch what little bit I could when I was on lunch at work today. I don't think Jim Schwartz will be happy with the way the team performed today, but a win's a win.
And I'll take them any way they come.
However, if the Lions were down by twenty to the world champion Green Bay Packers, they would have just poured it on and the Lions could have lost by thirty or more. If they were playing the Pats and were down by twenty at the half, it could have been worse. But it wasn't, thankfully. I know that the Vikings are fast starters so far this year and can't close the game even against a college team, but the fact that the Lions had that many problems against a team that is so much worse than them, it's scary to think about what is gong to happen when they play good teams.
The big factor from what I saw was their inability to stop the running game. I know it was against the best back in the game right now, but it was hard to watch what little bit I could when I was on lunch at work today. I don't think Jim Schwartz will be happy with the way the team performed today, but a win's a win.
And I'll take them any way they come.
12 December 2010
State of Detroit sports
I was really excited when I turned on the t.v. this afternoon to see the Detroit/Green Bay football game. This year, I have seen four Lions games and I haven't even had to go to a bar to watch them. It's not that they are a winning team, they just play teams that are winning. It makes me think of how the sports franchises of Detroit are doing.
The Detroit Pistons. Well, basketball sucks. The Pistons suck. Let's move on.
The Detroit Lions. Their record doesn't show how well they have been playing. They have only won two games (I thought that they would win four this year) but they have been in the majority of the games that they have lost. They are having problems in the secondary and having problems stepping on their opponents throat when the game is on the line. The offense is there, the front seven is set up for a great run, the coaching staff is great. The secondary is the only facet of the team that needs a complete overhaul. I have great hopes for the team in the upcoming future, as long as Matt Stafford realizes he isn't made of glass.
The Detroit Red Wings. The one constant in my sports life. Granted, growing up they were not the best team, but when I was young I didn't much care because it was hockey and was fun to watch. It is great to be surprised by a loss, much like it is great when the Lions win, it is a great surprise. Always in the hunt for Lord Stanley's Cup, I feel disappointed when they don't bring it home. When they do lose, I just want it to be a close series. They went out quietly last year, but they pushed through the tough season. Lots of injury and some growing pains for the younger players. They are on the top of the league now and it doesn't seem that they are going to slow any time soon.
The Detroit Tigers. After making it to the World Series in 2006 and collapsing to the St. Louis Cardinals, the fan base has been hungry to get back there. Slowly but surely, they have been building. The offense has been keeping up and some of the starting pitchers (Justin Verlander) are doing their best to keep the wins coming. The problem lies in the bullpen. It has been shaky ever since Joel Zumaya hurt himself playing Guitar Hero, no seriously, look it up. And then he hurt his shoulder moving stuff out of his house to avoid a wildfire. Then he broke his elbow. He isn't the only person in the bullpen, but he is a catalyst for it. The long relief is a soft spot.
The sports have an upside in the state the Pistons notwithstanding. I put up an argument that the Lions are the best 2-10 (record as of 12 December 2010) team to ever play the game. The Tigers have potential this year but they have a tough division and that is the only way they are making it to the playoffs. The Red Wings I never have to worry about having a good season.
The Detroit Pistons. Well, basketball sucks. The Pistons suck. Let's move on.
The Detroit Lions. Their record doesn't show how well they have been playing. They have only won two games (I thought that they would win four this year) but they have been in the majority of the games that they have lost. They are having problems in the secondary and having problems stepping on their opponents throat when the game is on the line. The offense is there, the front seven is set up for a great run, the coaching staff is great. The secondary is the only facet of the team that needs a complete overhaul. I have great hopes for the team in the upcoming future, as long as Matt Stafford realizes he isn't made of glass.
The Detroit Red Wings. The one constant in my sports life. Granted, growing up they were not the best team, but when I was young I didn't much care because it was hockey and was fun to watch. It is great to be surprised by a loss, much like it is great when the Lions win, it is a great surprise. Always in the hunt for Lord Stanley's Cup, I feel disappointed when they don't bring it home. When they do lose, I just want it to be a close series. They went out quietly last year, but they pushed through the tough season. Lots of injury and some growing pains for the younger players. They are on the top of the league now and it doesn't seem that they are going to slow any time soon.
The Detroit Tigers. After making it to the World Series in 2006 and collapsing to the St. Louis Cardinals, the fan base has been hungry to get back there. Slowly but surely, they have been building. The offense has been keeping up and some of the starting pitchers (Justin Verlander) are doing their best to keep the wins coming. The problem lies in the bullpen. It has been shaky ever since Joel Zumaya hurt himself playing Guitar Hero, no seriously, look it up. And then he hurt his shoulder moving stuff out of his house to avoid a wildfire. Then he broke his elbow. He isn't the only person in the bullpen, but he is a catalyst for it. The long relief is a soft spot.
The sports have an upside in the state the Pistons notwithstanding. I put up an argument that the Lions are the best 2-10 (record as of 12 December 2010) team to ever play the game. The Tigers have potential this year but they have a tough division and that is the only way they are making it to the playoffs. The Red Wings I never have to worry about having a good season.
24 November 2010
Thanksgiving time
It's that time of year again in sports. Time for the non-traditionalist to question why the Detroit Lions are playing on the last Thursday of the month of Novembeard. It's tradition people. Get off it. They play the early game because most people don't want to watch it, but I'll be up bright and early on my first day off in about eight days to watch my Lions. My woeful, rip your heart out, just can't get over the hump Lions. I'm excited about it. I always look forward to Thanksgiving for a couple of reasons.
Not only is it time to enjoy being around family and friends, it is also close to winter. The temperatures have been going up and down here and some days it feels like the beginning of winter. I went to work yesterday and it was twenty eight degrees. The day before? About fifty. So weird.
- The Lions game
- Pumpkin Pie
- Any effort to guilt the white man about taking land from the Native Americans (which never works)
Not only is it time to enjoy being around family and friends, it is also close to winter. The temperatures have been going up and down here and some days it feels like the beginning of winter. I went to work yesterday and it was twenty eight degrees. The day before? About fifty. So weird.
06 November 2010
Some letters
Dear Matt Millen,
The joke is on you, the Detroit Lions are starting to turn it around ahead of schedule. It took you six years to run the organization into the ground and has taken Martin Mayhew only two years to get it going in the right direction. His ability to draft players other than at the Wide Receiver position has put faith back into the organization. Oh, and he realized Roy Williams was past his prime and should be in jail for the malicious act of trade robbery he committed against the Dallas Cowboys.
Sincerely yours,
The Detroit Lions fans and organization
P.S. You suck as a commentator.
-----
Dear Joe Paterno,
Please retire. It isn't because you are not good at your job, because you are, but because the sport has surpassed your knowledge. And not your knowledge of the game, but your knowledge of the current systems colleges use. I really want to see you get to four hundred wins, but perhaps you should have retired a few years ago when you had some fantastic teams. I know you need one more win to get to four hundred, but please please please, retire. Ride off into the sunset on the shoulder pads of the young men who have great grandparents that probably played for you.
Respectfully yours,
A football fan.
P.S. Your nickname rocks!
The joke is on you, the Detroit Lions are starting to turn it around ahead of schedule. It took you six years to run the organization into the ground and has taken Martin Mayhew only two years to get it going in the right direction. His ability to draft players other than at the Wide Receiver position has put faith back into the organization. Oh, and he realized Roy Williams was past his prime and should be in jail for the malicious act of trade robbery he committed against the Dallas Cowboys.
Sincerely yours,
The Detroit Lions fans and organization
P.S. You suck as a commentator.
-----
Dear Joe Paterno,
Please retire. It isn't because you are not good at your job, because you are, but because the sport has surpassed your knowledge. And not your knowledge of the game, but your knowledge of the current systems colleges use. I really want to see you get to four hundred wins, but perhaps you should have retired a few years ago when you had some fantastic teams. I know you need one more win to get to four hundred, but please please please, retire. Ride off into the sunset on the shoulder pads of the young men who have great grandparents that probably played for you.
Respectfully yours,
A football fan.
P.S. Your nickname rocks!
20 October 2010
Almost never counts
I am getting a little tired of sports commentators saying that the Detroit Lions are almost there. They just need to have one or two plays go their way and they'll start winning games. They are almost there. They have also only won one game this year and lost five.
Now, there is some promise. With the exception of one game all of their losses have been within one score. And I do agree that they are close to turning the corner to head towards a winning season...or at least a season where they can win more than four games (which is where I think they'll end up this year). And it's all about their defense. The offense is putting up the numbers but the defense is giving up the numbers as well. There is nothing wrong with the statements that the team is getting closer to having a decent season. I'm just sick of hearing people saying it. I'm never going to stop being a Lions fan, but I'm happy that the Red Wings play at the same time to take my mind off of the losing.
As soon as the defense starts to play better, they will almost not rip my heart out every single Sunday.
Now, there is some promise. With the exception of one game all of their losses have been within one score. And I do agree that they are close to turning the corner to head towards a winning season...or at least a season where they can win more than four games (which is where I think they'll end up this year). And it's all about their defense. The offense is putting up the numbers but the defense is giving up the numbers as well. There is nothing wrong with the statements that the team is getting closer to having a decent season. I'm just sick of hearing people saying it. I'm never going to stop being a Lions fan, but I'm happy that the Red Wings play at the same time to take my mind off of the losing.
As soon as the defense starts to play better, they will almost not rip my heart out every single Sunday.
13 September 2010
Fall(ish) time
It's that time of year again. The greatest time. The fall. After dealing with one of the hottest summers I can recall since living down here in Wichita, the temperature is starting to get lower. I say starting to because we still have quite a few days that are in the low nineties. We have had says that have been fall-like, but not many of them. The humidity is still in the air, and there are sporadic thunderstorms. It rained the other night for quite honestly, five minutes. Then it passed. After looking at the radar, we came to find out we were on the northern end of a huge storm to the south and east of us. Who knew.
I know I shouldn't complain too much about the temperature right now. I'll take what I can get with it. The weather is just right to do some outdoor activities. The state fair is going on right now too. It is fun to head up there at least once a year, and we normally go in the middle of the week when it isn't too crowded. Granted, there aren't a ton of demonstrations or goings on in the middle of the week, but we like to get up there just to walk around and people watch. And get a corn dog. And homemade ice cream. Did I mention people watch? It's a glorious time for that.
Of course, the biggest thing that the majority of people think about right now, is football. My lowly Lions imploded against the much hated Bears yesterday, to the surprise of no one. It's too bad, but I love them anyways. That's not what I'm excited about. Football is fun to watch, college football is wonderful. However, hockey season is inching closer and closer. I can hear the blades on the ice, the shouts for a cross ice pass, the smell of the arena. Hockey arenas have always had a certain smell to them, but not a bad smell, unless you are close to the bench. I have never been able to identify it, it's always just been....there. It is what it is.
I know I shouldn't complain too much about the temperature right now. I'll take what I can get with it. The weather is just right to do some outdoor activities. The state fair is going on right now too. It is fun to head up there at least once a year, and we normally go in the middle of the week when it isn't too crowded. Granted, there aren't a ton of demonstrations or goings on in the middle of the week, but we like to get up there just to walk around and people watch. And get a corn dog. And homemade ice cream. Did I mention people watch? It's a glorious time for that.
Of course, the biggest thing that the majority of people think about right now, is football. My lowly Lions imploded against the much hated Bears yesterday, to the surprise of no one. It's too bad, but I love them anyways. That's not what I'm excited about. Football is fun to watch, college football is wonderful. However, hockey season is inching closer and closer. I can hear the blades on the ice, the shouts for a cross ice pass, the smell of the arena. Hockey arenas have always had a certain smell to them, but not a bad smell, unless you are close to the bench. I have never been able to identify it, it's always just been....there. It is what it is.
07 September 2009
Season beginning
The NFL season is starting this week. Andrea is thrilled, let me tell you. She is already excited about the college football season.
With the Tigers in the pennant race, I will definitely be paying more attention to them then in years past (2006 season excluded). But I am interested in how the Lions start. They have decided to go with first round pick, Matthew Stafford, at the starting quarterback. I don't know how I feel about this. I thought that they should have gone with their veteran QB for the first few games so Stafford could see a real NFL game. Pre-season games don't count. On the other hand, no better way to learn then by playing.
The first few games are going to be rough and will end up with some losses, but hey if they win three or four games (which is what I am hoping for), I will be happy.
Which is sad, isn't it?
With the Tigers in the pennant race, I will definitely be paying more attention to them then in years past (2006 season excluded). But I am interested in how the Lions start. They have decided to go with first round pick, Matthew Stafford, at the starting quarterback. I don't know how I feel about this. I thought that they should have gone with their veteran QB for the first few games so Stafford could see a real NFL game. Pre-season games don't count. On the other hand, no better way to learn then by playing.
The first few games are going to be rough and will end up with some losses, but hey if they win three or four games (which is what I am hoping for), I will be happy.
Which is sad, isn't it?
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