| 20 May 2010
Another quiet week for the Lions and the NFL means only one question for the congregation, as put together by Joshua, aka DetFan79, of Roar of the Lions. Jeez, training camp can't here soon enough...
This week's question comes from N. Jackson: I've heard it takes 3 years for defensive backs to hit their stride. any chance we see Houston and Wade take their game to the next level? They both seem hungry enough and willing to put in the work. I know very little about either player. Any insight would be appreciated. On a side note, I think Ko Simpson will be a solid starter next to Delmas if he can stay healthy.
Is there a chance? Sure. There's always a chance. There's also a chance there's a unicorn crapping out sunshine and rainbows in my living room while I write this. Anything's possible, right?
Both Chris Houston and Jonathan Wade are going into their 4th NFL seasons. In many ways, it's a make or break season for the cornerback tandem. Both were found wanting by their previous teams, and are getting a fresh start with the Lions...a team desperate for a corners.
Will they step up, given the opportunity? Possibly. They're definitely a step or 3 up from the stiff of the week the Lions were pulling off the street every Tuesday, and trotting out to play corner the following Sunday. They started for their previous teams for a reason. They were let go for a reason as well.
At the very least, Houston and Wade will add depth to a position that as has none. Literally, none.
If anyone is going to shore up the corner position, it's going to be the 3rd round draft pick out of Iowa, Amari Spivey.
I believe his being available in the draft was a big reason why the Lions walked away from Pacman Jones. If Spivey is not starting in September, I'll be hugely surprised...and so will the Lions.
As for Ko Simpson, he's just one of a cast of thousands hoping to play next to Louis Delmas this season. He could be a solid starter, but he's got to beat out Marquand Manuel, C.C. Brown and Daniel Bullocks, all of whom have also started in the NFL, let alone whomever else the Lions decide to bring into camp.
Simpson did show flashes of competence last season before he was injured. But I'm going to have to see lots more from Simpson before I consider him the front runner for the job. I'm guessing Jim Schwartz is starting with a level playing field, whomever has the best camp gets to start next to the best Lions safety since Bennie Blades was destroying receivers and dropping sure interceptions.
What is...Oooh, a rainbow!
If you have a Lions question you'd like to see answered, you can email the congregation at lionscongregation@yahoo.com.
As always, to read the rest of the Lions blogosphere answering DetFan79's questions, head over to Roar of the Lions every Friday!
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