Lions Complete Another Season

The season has ended, and the latest chapter of the Detroit Lions history has been written. There were some good times, and a lot of bad times. It was another dismal season with obvious problems that must be addresses during of the off-season.

It all started on September 12, 2004. It was a day to remember, and was truly a great day for the Lions’ organization. The three year, 24 game consecutive road losing streak was finally over. The Lions had beaten the Chicago Bears 20-16, and, although the offense was not stellar, they played well enough to win, and gave some glimmer of hope for the coming season. Harrington threw 14 for 26, with a touchdown. Roy Williams caught four for 69 yards. It was a game to remember.

Week two brought some of the same hope. The Lions beat Houston – in Detroit – 28-16. Harrington completed 18 of 25 passes with three touchdowns, including two too rookie Roy Williams. Kevin Jones also started to emerge with 12 carries and 57 yards.

After that the team would never be the same.

Harrington finished the season with 12 interceptions, and 19 touchdowns. Both career bests for the third year QB. Even at that, Harrington was subject to much criticism. He often threw interceptions when they could have been avoided, and had a habit of throwing high and behind the receivers. If we went back and took away the interceptions into blatant heavy coverage, he might have been in single digits, impressing us all.

Harrington’s problems can be somewhat simple to diagnose. He doesn’t see the field, he throws high, and he throws behind receivers. He doesn’t have a lot of mobility, and sometimes appears rushed in his throws. His biggest enemy is his fixation on one receiver at a time. It makes the offense predictable, and interceptions more frequent.

Harrington isn’t the total blame for the offense. Bad, and sometimes too conservative, play calling also was a factor. Whether it was from Sherman Lewis, Steve Mariucci, or a compensation for a not-so-good Joey, something needs to be addressed next season. Too many times did I see Kevin Jones run for nine yards, giving the Lions second and one, only to see them pass the ball incomplete twice, and have to punt or kick a field goal. Why not try and run the ball one more time? Why not pound the ball into first down territory? Were they too conservative? It’s hard to say really. One could argue they were too liberal with the passing, or they were just predictably set into a pattern.

Eddie Drummond was the catalyst for the offense for the mid part of the season. He ran back touchdowns, he put them into great field position, then one game he went down wrong, and broke his shoulder blade. Reggie Swinton stepped in and did a reasonably decent job, but the impact was still there. No more touchdowns, no more 50 yard return average games.

It’s time for the team to evaluate some of its positions. Quarterback, Wide Receiver, and Tight End.

Joey Harrington completed his third year – his best year – and failed to reach the level expected. He has no one to challenge him for his job, and push him to the next level. Is he capable of going to the next level? I don’t know, but we need something to push him. A veteran QB must be signed this off-season. Jon Kitna would be my recommendation. He’s proven he can win, and comes from an offensive system similar to the Lions’ system, and would fit into the salary cap.

Roy Williams proved he could be an NFL receiver this season. Although inconsistent, he did battle injury, and was often in heavy coverage. Az Hakim continued to drop balls. Do we really have to sit threw another season of Hakim? Most likely we do, and Charles Rogers will be the other receiver.

Speaking of Rogers, why is everyone so disappointed he’s out? We haven’t benefited from him in two seasons, and haven’t lost anything as a result. I think the main reason is his replacement was Tai Streets. Not that I think Rogers would have been an amazing receiver, but Streets hasn’t really been a strong factor in a long time. Rogers has potential, Streets has a record.

Speaking of not being a factor, did anyone notice Stephen Alexander was on the field? Who? The Lions’ TE, you know that guy we often we saw run short routes, then either drop the ball, or get ignored. I realize that the TE position doesn’t have the deepest pool of players in the NFL, but let’s get real. They need to find someone who can make a play now and then, and maybe even reach the end zone. Maybe they should consider drafting Massaquoi. Can’t be any worse. I’m sure he’ll be available in the later rounds.

Speaking of the offense, Sherman Lewis has left the building. After 22 seasons of coaching, Lewis is retiring. I don’t think this is a case of being forced out, or fired. He just wants to retire. His NFL career spans 37 years total, and he really has nothing left to accomplish. He was a good coach, saw the playoffs 15 times, and saw the Superbowl four times. He will be missed, and is to be commended on a fine career.

We haven’t talked about the defense yet. Here’s a summary for you. Shaun Rogers signed a six year, $46 million contract to remain a Detroit Lion. That about says it all for the force behind the defense. They played well this year, and I would imagine will only improve next year. Dick Jauron did a great job coordinating these guys. I even used them in my fantasy league a couple times.

All is not lost. Next season we could see an 8-8 Detroit Lions team. The schedule will be crucial to accomplishing this, but if they can add another receiver, and bring in a veteran QB to either take the job or push Joey to the next level, they can accomplish this. Nick Harris was signed to a long extension, and Hanson won’t be going anywhere. Kicking is good, defense is good, now we just need an offense.

Who knows, maybe in 2007 they can win 10 games and make the playoffs.