The Ram
Half Man, Half Amazing
Hear me out for a second before you laugh yourself silly. This time last year we were cracking the identical jokes at the Fish as we are enjoying at the expense of the Lions. Is it possible for the Lions to go from 0-16 to respectable, even contenders like the Dolphins next year?
I can only assume it is indeed possible and maybe even probable now that the institution of failure has been bounced. The Dolphins may have shown the NFL's laughable organizations how to turn around their fortunes.
1) First, bring in a guy who knows how to build a team and put him behind the wheel. Is that guy known right now? I don't see that person at this point in the season but I feel if the Lions are serious about not sucking this is the first position I would fill.
2) Bring in a game managing quarterback. Pennington just does NOT turn the ball over. That is the key to the Dolphins in-game success. I'm sure the quarterback market will be saturated this off-season as teams cut loose guys and move in a different direction. In the Lions case this guy must also be able to get the ball downfield to Calvin Johnson in addition to not throwing picks. Culpepper just isn't that guy. Dan Orlovsky may be that guy for the Lions. He's young and under the right leadership could evolve into a game managing quarterback. This team should also look at the draft for a long term solution. It would never happen but Brady Quinn would be solid for the Lions.
3) Use the top draft pick earned through failure to lock up a bookend offensive lineman....left tackle would be ideal. Is there a Jake Long or Ryan Clady in this year’s draft? Everything starts up front on both sides of the ball. That is where the Lions must focus their attentions. In the draft you can pick up an offensive lineman and build a team around him in his rookie year. Teams are not so lucky with defensive linemen so the Lions should look to free agency to pick up a few defensive linemen. Time to open up the coffers.
4) Bring in an innovative head coach who will design his offense around the talent and not some predefined scheme. This is where the Lions have the highest degree of potential for success. Guys like Sparano and Harbaugh have done great things with the tools available on the roster, in the draft, and in free agency. There are plenty of guys who are available to fill this role. Stop with the Cowher and Shannahan talk, it ain’t happening. If Lane Kiffin didn’t sign with the Vols he would be outstanding in Detriot. I think the best Lions head coach is a coordinator on someone’s team right now.
The tools of success are there for the Lions. Kevin Smith was underutilized this season and Calvin Johnson dominated in spite of the best attempts of the coaching staff to screw things up. CJ is a once in a decade talent and if the other items listed above are added you will see Randy Moss like numbers from him. Smith is a dual threat and can be very, very good given the right set of circumstances.
So I ask you, am I crazy thinking the Lions can turn it around and be a force as early as next season?
I can only assume it is indeed possible and maybe even probable now that the institution of failure has been bounced. The Dolphins may have shown the NFL's laughable organizations how to turn around their fortunes.
1) First, bring in a guy who knows how to build a team and put him behind the wheel. Is that guy known right now? I don't see that person at this point in the season but I feel if the Lions are serious about not sucking this is the first position I would fill.
2) Bring in a game managing quarterback. Pennington just does NOT turn the ball over. That is the key to the Dolphins in-game success. I'm sure the quarterback market will be saturated this off-season as teams cut loose guys and move in a different direction. In the Lions case this guy must also be able to get the ball downfield to Calvin Johnson in addition to not throwing picks. Culpepper just isn't that guy. Dan Orlovsky may be that guy for the Lions. He's young and under the right leadership could evolve into a game managing quarterback. This team should also look at the draft for a long term solution. It would never happen but Brady Quinn would be solid for the Lions.
3) Use the top draft pick earned through failure to lock up a bookend offensive lineman....left tackle would be ideal. Is there a Jake Long or Ryan Clady in this year’s draft? Everything starts up front on both sides of the ball. That is where the Lions must focus their attentions. In the draft you can pick up an offensive lineman and build a team around him in his rookie year. Teams are not so lucky with defensive linemen so the Lions should look to free agency to pick up a few defensive linemen. Time to open up the coffers.
4) Bring in an innovative head coach who will design his offense around the talent and not some predefined scheme. This is where the Lions have the highest degree of potential for success. Guys like Sparano and Harbaugh have done great things with the tools available on the roster, in the draft, and in free agency. There are plenty of guys who are available to fill this role. Stop with the Cowher and Shannahan talk, it ain’t happening. If Lane Kiffin didn’t sign with the Vols he would be outstanding in Detriot. I think the best Lions head coach is a coordinator on someone’s team right now.
The tools of success are there for the Lions. Kevin Smith was underutilized this season and Calvin Johnson dominated in spite of the best attempts of the coaching staff to screw things up. CJ is a once in a decade talent and if the other items listed above are added you will see Randy Moss like numbers from him. Smith is a dual threat and can be very, very good given the right set of circumstances.
So I ask you, am I crazy thinking the Lions can turn it around and be a force as early as next season?