Motor City MoJo: Detroit Lion updates

vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66587

a thread dedicated to Detroit Lion news and how it may affect us as Vikings.

what personnel moves are the Lions up to?
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FootballPhreak · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 30638

This is actually a really cool idea. I don't have a million links readily available, but I will put a few well-knowns out there for everyone. TY Vike Daddy.

Shaun Rogers is on his way out, the only question is where and for how much, many articles seem to value him in the 2-3rd range, but it seems nearly inevitable the answer is:

Jonathan Vilma is being actively pursued by the Detroit Lions. Although not nearly as effective recently, the former pro-bowler and young yet MLB would seem to be a great fit in the Tampa 2 defense

Roy Williams is not on the block, offers will be listened to, but unless they are incredible he will remain a Lion, if we can't get a deal done, there is always the franchise tag, and we can't afford for Roy to go because:

Shaun McDonald is on the block. The most likely place would seem to be the 49'rs because Martz requires receivers that know his system, and McDonald led the Lions in receiving last year in Martz' system, the value would appear to be a 4rd, but those of us in Lions land are praying for a 3rd

Our needs before we get started appear to be DE, CB, MLB, RB, OT, FB, and possibly a pass catching TE, we have Dan Campbell for blocking and Sean McHugh may be serviceable as a passing down specialist, but if a good one falls in our lap, it may be hard to pass up:

The Lions have shown interest in Alge Crumpler, my personal feelings is he will not come here, but he has been contacted

I may come back to check on this and update, but that is the important stuff for now. How about a thread in the Lions forum for you guys?
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vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66587

carlande · Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 1410

I would add that in my opinion we need a pass rusher above and beyond anything else. A John Randle or Robert Porcher is needed in Detroit to help drag this defense out of the dregs.

Rogers isn't a high motor guy and at 350+ would be better suited as a nose tackle in a 3-4. He sits on the sidelines all too often. He's going to be traded and there's reports out of the combine that many teams are interested.

The quarterback situation hasn't been settled as there are reports that our 2nd round pick Drew Stanton will be given the green light to compete with Kitna this season. Kitna's 36 in September so we're all hoping Stanton matures into a capable leader this season or the next.

Our corners are the weakest link. Our one solid starter when healthy is Fernando Bryant, and he is dissatisfied that the Lions haven't cut him yet according to reports. He thinks the Lions want him out anyways and the sooner the better so he can move on. T-Jack in his 2nd game and Favre in both games made our Dbs look non-existent.

If we re-sign Woody our RT situation may be solved as he switched to the position late in the year and surprisingly proved he could be a good RT.

We're somewhat lost in RB land as to what the Lions might do. Jones when healthy is arguably a good back. However we had to suffer from Martz's unwillingness to run the ball and Jones suffered a season ending knee injury late last year. We could draft a back early if we don't resign Tatum Bell or TJ Duckett.

forty six & 2 · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Posts: 3841

Here is an interview with GM Matt Millen from Friday, February 21st that addresses pretty much everything Detroit is rumored to be involved with so far this offseason and what directions they may go later on. It covers pretty much everything FootballPhreak listed as well as some things he didn't as well as some "interesting" answers from Millen. Enjoy.

Here are a few of my favorite excerpts:

carlande · Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 1410

Hey I hadn't read that interview. Good insight and thanks.

milanb · Joined: 04 Jan 2008 Posts: 5165 Location: Ottawa, Ontario

The Lions have big-time needs at OL, DT and CB, more so than at DE. They're actually in a pretty good spot because the draft is deep in OTs or CBs. One of the really good ones should slide to their spot in the 1st, and there should be a pretty good player available in the 2nd as well.

The Lions screwed up big-time last year in taking Calvin Johnson instead of trading down with Tampa Bay. They could have had Adrian Peterson and an early 2nd and early 3rd. Johnson may yet turn out to be the best receiver in the game, but it's no good having two stellar receivers if you can't build a team around them.

Bodysuit Man · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 636 Location: Virginia

Ever work with one of those guys like Millen, that no matter how poorly they do their job, seem to get promoted, get raises, whatever? I think it goes to show that a posititve attitude and nice enough personality will get you a lot farther in life than any degree of skill or knowledge will. (And obviously, looks will do the same for the female gender.)

The guy was a good player, he was a good broadcaster (whatever that's worth), and seems like a nice enough guy, but how in the name of all that is sensible does he still have a job as president and CEO in this league? I know, he's gotten some good players in the last couple of drafts, but even a blind squirell gets a nut now and then. Puzzling Confused

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Confucius Say: To make a long story short, don't tell it.

vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66587

Rod Marinelli has made major roster changes since coming on board, hasn't he? something like close to 60% of the Detroit roster has changed over in his time.

is this a good thing? will it lead to long term gain?
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diehardlionfan · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 21504 Location: Ottawa

vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66587

vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66587

The Lions, looking to become more of a physical running team, could be in the market for RB Julius Jones. Jones might get a bit overlooked in free agency after sharing the load in Dallas, but he could fit what the Lions need at the position.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/The+Way+We+Hear+It/Whispers/2008/whispers022308.htm
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forty six & 2 · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Posts: 3841

Thoughts on Matt Millen at the Scouting Combine.

My favorite excerpt is:

Enrage · Joined: 14 Dec 2005 Posts: 15186 Location: Seoul Searchin'

They just released Fernando Bryant. I know they probably already have a deal with Kelly worked out but Kelly is older and why not keep Bryant? The Lions are screwed again.
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forty six & 2 · Joined: 02 Mar 2007 Posts: 3841