Yes, This Subject Is On The Lions... (11-29)

So here we go Lions fans... I will attempt to answer the question that will provide some closure for all of us! Many of you have asked this question since the draft of this season, and I can say I'm not surprised. So let me remind all of you of what that question is... Is the problem with the Lions all Steve Mariucci's fault?

( I will be skipping ahead periodically... For a complete recap visit the citation at the end of the article.)

Steve Mariucci's track record in San Francisco wasn't abysmal by any stretch of the imagination. He managed to go 57-39 over a span of six years inside two rebuilding years. Still many will say that his staff in San Francisco was superior over the Lions, and that his record is strictly average. Still that record is certainly better then what the Lions have seen since
(insert random date here) even without superbowl rings.

The road to decline started long before then... Wayne Fontes comes to mind. Through the time Fontes was the head coach for more than eight full seasons, finished his career as the team's all-time leader among head coaches in both wins (67) and games coached (138). (Mediocre Eh?)

After nine games into the 2002 season and compiling a 5-4 record, Bobby Ross abruptly resigned as head coach November 6 and was immediately replaced by Gary Moeller. Moeller guided the team to a 4-3 record over the last seven games, but narrowly missed the playoffs with a loss to the Chicago Bears in the season finale. Following the season, William Clay Ford named Matt Millen President and CEO and he assumed control of team operations. On January 25, 2001, Gary Moeller was replaced as head coach by former San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Mornhinweg had no experience as a head coach, he compiled a 5-27 record over two years. With Mariucci coming in the shadows with the progress move in a positive direction?

No. So here we are... (11-28) just yesterday Mariucci was let go... and the problem is much deeper then Mariucci. Mariucci wanted a west coast offense and that didn't work. Face facts... the Lions don't have an identity because the lack of management is apparent. How can a team put together wins when the organization doesn't have an idea of the type of football team to mould!? High draft picks were wasted because the team doesn't play like a team. Chemistry is the adversity that overcomes the highest obstacles. The New England Patriots drafted well, scouted well, and played well as a team. New England had three superbowl rings because of teamwork.

I can go over and talk about the problems of the Lions over the course of the seasons past but it would be a waste of time because I'd be repeating myself. I understand that an organization should draft for what it needs. (Millen Doesn't.) No team can win in the NFL without an established running game! How can the Lions draft three white outs when the quarterback doesn't have time to throw to them!? That answer is simple... BECAUSE THEY ARE MISGUIDED AS A TEAM! Until the Lions can get over this problem this organization will be forever looped in their destiny they created.

Now I'm proud to present an expert assessment from my cousin Derek!

Q. Do you think the Lions troubles run deeper then Steve Mariucci?

A. Yes, for four reasons.
1. They have bad draft picks due to Matt Millen's judgment. (Harrington, M. Williams, Rogers)
2. Injuries had devastated this football team. (Bly, Lehman, Hall, Holmes, Bailey)
3. There is no quarterback that can be a dominant starter. (Harrington, Garcia, Orlovsky)
4. Quarterbacks keep getting switched in mid-game before a predominant rhythm can be obtained. (Although I admit it is hard to maintain a rhythm with this club.)

Q. Who should the Lions draft next season?

A. If the D-line can hold I believe that the Lions should go for a QB. (Leinart, Vick)

Thanks to Derek and http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?cont_id=23775 for the information to this story. As I have said before I am not an expert! I'm open for any discussion on this topic. I have decided not to elaborate too much to avoid repetition because many fans can agree that the subject matter speaks truth.

Best to all, -John Ott