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Every week, no matter the opponent, no matter how bad the play the previous week, the Lions Congregation meets to discuss all things Detroit Lions. Sucks for us, I know.
For this week's round of questions, Reverend Spielman of The Church of Schwartz asks the Lions' blogosphere to give our opinion on ESPN's piece naming names as to whom on the current roster the Lions should build their team around, brings up an old sports talk radio staple asking if the Lions need cheerleaders, and to give our prediction for Sunday's Battle for the 1st Overall Draft Pick with the Browns at what should be a mostly empty Ford Field.
My answers are, as always, below. What will other Lions bloggers have to say? Click on over to The Church of Schwartz to find out!
1. Well respected ESPN columnist Kevin Seifert says the Lions have 7 keepers on their roster. Using his methodology, who do you see as a keeper on this roster?
For those who haven't seen Seifert's keepers, here's a quick snapshot:
Keepers: First off Stafford, Megatron, Pettigrew, Delmas, Levy and Hanson are absolute no brainers. Even the Lions, dumb as they have been, know they either already have something good, or may have something big, in all of those players. All are likely to be (or in Hanson's case, will continue to be) long-time NFL starters.
The only player I would remove is Kevin Smith. Is he an NFL back? Definitely. Can he produce as Detroit's feature back, given a full load of 25+ carries a game? From what we've seen these past two seasons, the answer is no. The "burst" just isn't there for Smith. The most glaring example of his lack of speed was during his long run of the season, 31 yards against Seattle. For a faster back, say, Aaron Brown, the run is an automatic touchdown. But Smith, lacking the extra gear, was caught from behind.
The Lions need a back with that extra gear, burst, waggle, whatever you want to call it. Maybe that back is Brown, maybe he'll be found in the upcoming draft. Currently, Detroit is missing that running back.
I would add a couple of players to the "Keeper" list. One is punter Nick Harris. He's a great punter who doesn't get national accolades because he plays for the Lions, and has Stan Kwan coaching special teams. I'd also add Larry Foote, though Seifert mentions later in the article he considers Foote a short-term fix. Personally, I'd think Foote would be fine for the next 2-3 years at MLB. From all accounts, that's likely to happen, as Foote wants to stay in his hometown, and the Lions would like to extend him.
I totally agree with Siefert regarding the two lines and corner. There's not a single "must have" player on the Lions' roster at those positions. Not a one.
Worth Learning more about: With Williams, Cherilus, Peterman, the aforementioned Brown and Hill, I'm in agreement with Seifert. I'd like to see more.
But Jeff Backus? Sure, he's likely to stick around because the Lions have so many other holes to fill. But we already know plenty. Backus is what he is, overpaid, and on a good day, an average left tackle. If he could be easily replaced, the Lions would do so, in a New York minute.
As for Cliff Averil, after showing flashes as a rookie, he hasn't taken the next step up. He's beginning to remind me of Kalimba Edwards or Ikaika Alama-Francis. Defensive ends drafted as a reach due to their athleticism, but unable to translate their athleticism into production on the field. It says volumes, after reaching on both Edwards and Franc, they are out of football. Averil isn't at that point yet, but he's not impressing anyone this season.
There's no one else on the d-line worth mentioning. Same for the rest of the defense.
I'd be temped to add Zack Follett to this list, as every team needs special teams demons. Follett is going to have a long career as a coverage kamikaze, as long as his body holds up.
Other than keeping the listed players, the Lions can feel free to blow up the remaining roster. Which is what is going to happen over the next two years.
2. Do the Lions need cheerleaders?
Not any more than they need a defense. Priorities, people. Priorities.
If you want to watch fake breasted bimbos shake their booty on the field between plays, more power to you. But is it necessary for a full NFL experience? No.
3. Whats your projected outcome for Browns - Lions?
I predict anyone who watches is bored stiff, and most likely, insane.
As for the game itself? Would it surprise me if Detroit wins? A little. Which is why I'm saying the Lions will lose. I cannot justify picking this team to win any more games, home or away. Browns aren't good, but neither are the Lions. Cleveland wins 17-14, in a game resembling football, but only in a rudimentary way.
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