Lions on my mind
Free agency in the NFL continues to rage and the Lions, big shock, appear to be doing nothing. With a four-year NFL veteran quarterback who has proven nothing, three first-round-draft-pick receivers who are too young and inexperienced to be consistent and a defense rattled by inconsistency and injury, it’s no wonder the playoffs continue to be elusive for this team that, on paper and when healthy, looks like it could win its division. And then the room starts laughing. I know, I know.
But it’s true. Harrington’s pedigree is as good as anyone else, potential-wise. And one thing he does have going for him is this. In his first three seasons, while he has steadily improved stats-wise, he’s still so far away from where a first-round draft pick should be, he needs a GPS device the size of Greektown to get him there. There are other quarterbacks, who, in their first three years, put up WORSE numbers than Harrington. Brett Favre is one of them. Troy Aikman is the other. Does that mean we, as fans, have to sit back and watch this screwhead continue, on third and 7, to make three-yard completions? What’s the sliding scale on running his ass out of town? It’s probably this year. There is a new coach in Rod Marinelli and a new offensive coordinator in the very proven Mike Martz. If Joey ends this season with another 70-or-so QB rating, then his time is probably up.
These receivers are weird — Charles Rogers, Mike Williams and Roy Williams. You have guy who is consistent; another guy who can’t stay healthy and pusses out every time something twinges in his body; and another guy who can’t keep his lips off the bong. The one thing they do have in common, aside from their colossal disappointment among fans, is that they are young and talented, but the team has no element in place for them to learn, especially in the critical fashion coming from a seasoned vet or even a retired great. Pay Jerry Rice 750 large to come in as a “consultant” and work with these guys in the off-season and on drills. Bring in someone, anyone, who can sit them and down and explain to them what they’re doing wrong. A receivers coach, even one with NFL experience, might not work so well. I’m in a line of work where my boss has never before done my job. Therefore, I have no respect for him and see him as a dope when he tries to guide me in what he thinks is right. How can these receivers learn when, from the get, they were left running wild in the streets?
But the ultimate gap — and the iron right now, and in a few weeks will be, is at its hottest — and the most obvious solution lies in the linebacker corps. Boss Bailey has been good, but he’s also been hurt. Teddy Lehman was been a wash and probably could be, from a career standpoint. Maybe. He’s young, he can still provide some depth, but since his arrival, I haven’t seen it. Guys like Wali Rainier are solid and all, but that’s a wave of defense that can’t be compromised. If I’m GM, I do this: I do what it takes to sign free agent Willie McGinest. Yeah, he has 12 seasons worth of wear and tear on his body, but he probably has a couple more left in him. And a Willie McGinest at 75 percent is assuredly better than most guys’ 100 percent. Plus, he provides the sage-like, effective leadership that is lacking in the receivers. He could bring that to the LBs. After that, watch the draft and get ready to trade up a spot or two to nab A.J. Hawk from Ohio State. This dude is as Spielmanesque as they come. This guy is so quick, so lethal, so fucking strong and punishing that adding him to your roster is like making a big vat of Insta-Defense. A healthy Boss, a young Hawk and a seasoned Willie. I know, it sounds like gay porn, but I think it would work. Teams will think thrice before going across the middle on your ass.
But it’s true. Harrington’s pedigree is as good as anyone else, potential-wise. And one thing he does have going for him is this. In his first three seasons, while he has steadily improved stats-wise, he’s still so far away from where a first-round draft pick should be, he needs a GPS device the size of Greektown to get him there. There are other quarterbacks, who, in their first three years, put up WORSE numbers than Harrington. Brett Favre is one of them. Troy Aikman is the other. Does that mean we, as fans, have to sit back and watch this screwhead continue, on third and 7, to make three-yard completions? What’s the sliding scale on running his ass out of town? It’s probably this year. There is a new coach in Rod Marinelli and a new offensive coordinator in the very proven Mike Martz. If Joey ends this season with another 70-or-so QB rating, then his time is probably up.
These receivers are weird — Charles Rogers, Mike Williams and Roy Williams. You have guy who is consistent; another guy who can’t stay healthy and pusses out every time something twinges in his body; and another guy who can’t keep his lips off the bong. The one thing they do have in common, aside from their colossal disappointment among fans, is that they are young and talented, but the team has no element in place for them to learn, especially in the critical fashion coming from a seasoned vet or even a retired great. Pay Jerry Rice 750 large to come in as a “consultant” and work with these guys in the off-season and on drills. Bring in someone, anyone, who can sit them and down and explain to them what they’re doing wrong. A receivers coach, even one with NFL experience, might not work so well. I’m in a line of work where my boss has never before done my job. Therefore, I have no respect for him and see him as a dope when he tries to guide me in what he thinks is right. How can these receivers learn when, from the get, they were left running wild in the streets?
But the ultimate gap — and the iron right now, and in a few weeks will be, is at its hottest — and the most obvious solution lies in the linebacker corps. Boss Bailey has been good, but he’s also been hurt. Teddy Lehman was been a wash and probably could be, from a career standpoint. Maybe. He’s young, he can still provide some depth, but since his arrival, I haven’t seen it. Guys like Wali Rainier are solid and all, but that’s a wave of defense that can’t be compromised. If I’m GM, I do this: I do what it takes to sign free agent Willie McGinest. Yeah, he has 12 seasons worth of wear and tear on his body, but he probably has a couple more left in him. And a Willie McGinest at 75 percent is assuredly better than most guys’ 100 percent. Plus, he provides the sage-like, effective leadership that is lacking in the receivers. He could bring that to the LBs. After that, watch the draft and get ready to trade up a spot or two to nab A.J. Hawk from Ohio State. This dude is as Spielmanesque as they come. This guy is so quick, so lethal, so fucking strong and punishing that adding him to your roster is like making a big vat of Insta-Defense. A healthy Boss, a young Hawk and a seasoned Willie. I know, it sounds like gay porn, but I think it would work. Teams will think thrice before going across the middle on your ass.
posted by John at 7:58 AM
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