Lions Blues are League Wide

Let's face it. The 2004 Detroit Lions are a disappointment. Not in the fact that we expected a true winning season, but the fact that Charles Rogers is out, Joey Harrington isn't improving, and they have trouble holding a lead if they manage to get one. I was talking to a friend of mine, James Muir, and he made me realize that this gloom is not only within the Lions' organization, but spread league wide.

Let's take a look at the NFC. Of the 16 teams, only four of them have a winning record, two are at 6-6. Six teams are 5-7, and still talking about going to the playoffs. Our beloved Lions are one of those teams. They all believe that at 8-8 or 9-7, they can get into the playoffs.

What's the point?

This is the point - there is no point! Not one of the 5-7 teams has the offense to contend against teams such as Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, or New England. Even if they make it out of the first round, it will most likely be on a low scoring game, at home, proceeded by a trip to one of the big guns of the AFC.

Who wants to see that?

The players, the GMs, the Coaches, and the fans of the big guns, who are sure to win, putting them one game away from the Superbowl.

So what is the real problem?

There isn't one. I've decided we are in the dark ages for Lions football. They haven't been winners since 1957, and likely won't be winners anytime soon. What makes the last four seasons different is they are worse than usual. We've had 15 wins in four seasons, and the offense had degraded each year. It isn't even fun to watch them lose.

How do we fix it?

Get a new QB, find a new owner, and draft some players that will make a difference on the field, and not in the advertising of the team. Wins will sell tickets just as well as some local college guy who people liked while he was in school. Drafting also has to stop being based on what the national media says should be done.

Joey Harrington is an average QB. He is not real mobile, does not see the field well, but can make some plays, and get a team down the field a few yards. I do not feel is the man to lead this team to victory. What we need in Detroit is a veteran QB. Something to either challenge Harrington (maybe pushing him to a new level), or to take the job over completely.

The offensive line must be fixed. They do not open enough holes, and they cannot stop the QB from being sacked.

Do I think the Lions can be good?

Sure, why not? Will they be, probably eventually they will be pretty good. They are on the right course, but have had some set backs in my opinion. If they can get a good offensive line, get a QB that can make it into the end zone, then we should see 9-10 wins in a season.

-Dan Joseph