Muhlbach’s Misery? Joey’s Rise?

The Lions put forth an effort not seem in quite some time. After starting ahead 3-0 against the Vikings, they trailed most of the game. With eight seconds remaining in the game, Harrington hit Williams for a touchdown. It was then 28-27, with Hanson coming onto the field for the extra point.

The Lions setup, Hanson got ready, and the snap bounced. Bounced? That’s right, it bounced, and bounced again, and then Harris grabbed it, and got tackled. Game over. Lions lose. Rookie Don Muhlbach had mis-fired the snap that would have tied the game, and likely put the Lions into OT. Muhlbach choked at the line when his team needed him the most. Muhlbach should be benched, and never allowed to wear a Lions’ uniform again. What a disgrace.

Let’s ease up on Muhlbach. Before today, did you even know who he was? He’s a rookie from Texas A&M, was picked up mid-season, and he’s a fine long snapper. Of all the blunders of the Lions, have you ever seen a snap go this wrong? Of course you didn’t. The Lions do one thing right, and that is kicking. Muhlbach is a good part of that kicking. Hanson and Harris rely on him to snap the ball well, so it can be setup for a punt or a field goal.

The real problems with the Lions still remain on the offense, and specifically with the passing game. Yes, Joey looked pretty good most of the game yesterday. Let’s also not forget that he had two interceptions near the end zone. Converting just one of those to nothing more than a field goal would have turned that final touchdown into a win.

The passing game has to get better. It made great strides yesterday, but I fear this is only a one game progression, doomed for more demise next week. Az Hakim, four catches, 108 yards, had several dropped balls. Not only is this a trend, it’s a complete history of how Hakim has played, even before he joined the Lions.

To sum it all up, I do not fault Muhlbach for the loss, and I hope he gets by this, and continues to grow as an NFL player. Joey was better, but must continue to work on getting the interceptions down. The receivers, Hakim mostly, must learn to catch the ball better. Fix the offense, and you can get by mistakes that only cost you one point.

What is your take? How do you feel towards Joey and/or Muhlbach now?

-Dan Joseph