Mmmmm Mmmmmmm - Cornbread

[Joe Archer]

Friday Mornin' Style...
Kitna Going to Hawaii?
http://blog.mlive.com/lionsinsider/2007/05/scouting_report_jon_kitna.html
There's no question that Kitna is going to put up some Pro Bowl numbers; the only question is whether he can limit his mistakes and actually earn that free trip to Honolulu.
Lenon is making a real impression at linebacker?
http://blog.mlive.com/lionsinsider/2007/05/lenon_is_making_a_real_impress.html

"I just don't like to go out and make a statement about this or that. I have great expectations, this is going to be really a good football team in my mind. I've said in team meetings what my expectations are and I just believe in this team a lot. I'm going to feel better and better every day we're here and there are going to be bumps in the road, so be it. Nothing changes. It's going to be a very good team.''
<----<<<

[GMONEY]

attention moderators, please move this to the comedy section:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Jimmer]

Nice links Joe.
Word from the mini camp is that Roy had a minor hamstring injury day one. Not what we needed to hear, LOL. The upside is that CJ got more reps and Martz was pretty happy with that. CJ has also impressed folks with his ability to learn the Martz bible.
There are still lots of potential starters nursing injuries, Jones in particular. The screws were removed and he is running, just not in drills.
Hope springs eternal, but this is the Lions we're talking about.
:lol:
Espn's power rankings have em at 30 ahead of the Raiders and Browns

[MEL]

Judging from the comments from Marinelli and Killer and the press that they've been getting it must mean one thing.......
SEASON TICKETS ARE ON SALE!!!!
I wouldnt expect the coach to say his linebackers need help and that his secondary stinks cause they need to sell tickets. Want to sell lots of tickets to see a bad, really bad football team??? You must put a positive spin on things to fool the ticket buyers. Thats how you get the hopes up of guys like Joey A. and cheat them out of their money!!!

Pick up the Freep or News from last year, the year before, the year before, the year before, the year before........ Its the same old propaganda!!!
maybe some different players, maybe a different coach but same old "tote the loins line" Feed the people a line of BS and sell them tickets.....Im really suprised that grown adults fall for that crap every stinking year!:dizzy:
....And Killer is one of the worst loins, Millen, brown nosers in the press:sad:

[thousandcasts]

Kowalski is a joke--worst Lions beat writer around.

With that said however, I'll still holding tight to my belief that the Lions will be a much better team this year...and the record will reflect that.

:cheeky-sm

[gunrod]

Kowalski is a joke--worst Lions beat writer around.

With that said however, I'll still holding tight to my belief that the Lions will be a much better team this year...and the record will reflect that.

:cheeky-sm

Not likely. Just finished paying for my season tickets so they will more than likely suck as much as any other year............until I decide to give up my tickets.:dizzy:

[thousandcasts]

Not likely. Just finished paying for my season tickets so they will more than likely suck as much as any other year............until I decide to give up my tickets.:dizzy:

See, when I had my season tickets it was back in the glory years of Wayne and Bobby Ross. Who can forget those memorable late season games at the House of Wayne (Silverdome) when they actually had a chance to get into the playoffs? I gave up my tickets when they moved to Ford Field...Didn't like my seat relocation and since I'd moved up to GR, it was just a bit too much of a drive every other Sunday.

Sooooo, the Lions went way down as soon as I gave mine up! :lol:

[gunrod]

I didn't like my seats at Ford Field either but you have to know the key words to get them moved...........;)

[MEL]

I didn't like my seats at Ford Field either but you have to know the key words to get them moved...........;)

Ive never been in Fart Field but would think that any seat that offers a view of the product on the field would be a bad seat!!!!;)
Like Tiger Stadium, maybe you can get a seat behind a column, what they used to call obstructive view, that way you wouldnt have to see the loins play:dizzy: Thus making your expirence more enjoyable

[gunrod]

I've had those thoughts on some days but as I've said before I'm a football fan 1st and a Lions fan some where alot farther down the list. I enjoyed watching Ray Lewis in person, believe Boss Bailey can be a Hall of Famer if he stays healthy, saw Carson Palmer just carve up the defense (not really a feat against the Lions but he is definitely the real deal, Micheal Vick toss a ball 40 yards without trying and the Hall of FAmer Bret Favre up close and personal. I look forward to braggin' about other players seen in person because seeing them on the field is different than on TV.

Don't get me wrong, I jump up and down when the Lions do something right (not often) and wish they'd win but it's the other teams I'm there for.

[gunrod]

Almost forgot, Randy Moss catching bombs, Urlacher cementing his Hall of Fame spot and probably a few others that will come to mind later.

[tubejig]

Almost forgot, Randy Moss catching bombs, Urlacher cementing his Hall of Fame spot and probably a few others that will come to mind later.

Moss will catch a bomb or two this year, it could happen in February as well.

[Joe Archer]

This week’s winning cornbread recipe is home grown. It comes right from the official site of our Detroit Lions. Mmmmmmmm Yummy stuff!
http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=457560
How have the Lions changed?
"Head coach Rod Marinelli hasn't been able to contain his excitement."
In short:
December 31, 20006 - Lions win last game of season against Dallas...
January, 2007 - Lions hire Joe Barry (With a name like Joe, he can't be all bad), Jim Colleto, and Sam Gash.
March, 2007 - Lions acquire Tatum Bell and George Foster. Lions Sign Dewayne White
April, 2007 - Free agent signings include TJ Duckett, Shaun McDonald, Travis Fisher, and Edwin Mulitalo. Lions draft Calvin Johnson, Drew Stanton, Alama-Francis, Gerald Alexander, AJ Davis, Manny Ramirez, Johnny Baldwin, and Ramzee Robinson.

Add to the roster changes the fact that the team is faster, in its second year of the Tampa-2, and has a defensive coach committed to the system; and it is easy to understand that it is because of all these changes that "Marinelli has the high expectations for this year’s Lions team that he does..."

Mmmmmm Mmmmmmmm delicious!
<----<<<

[GMONEY]

thanks joe, you can always make me laugh:lol:

[MEL]

Joe-Joe, Joe-Joe-
What have i told you about that loins cornbread? If your not quoting from Killer, Matt Millens #1 brown noser, your quoting directly from the loins very own web site. Wow, talk about some objective reporting!!! I mean the loins web site? Come on Joe, you can do better than that!!! You must still be hitting that bottle of MD20/20!!! One might suggest that the loins web site is a little bias. Remember the lions motto, "Sell tickets, who cares about winning". I have a sneaky suspesion(sp) that the article you used was put up to sell tickets. I dont know why, but i have my suspesions.:16suspect

Is that MD20/20 colored loins blue? And is that really crack that you use in your cornbread?

(PS: Good to have you back after your little break. Next time tho let Jimmer or some other loins crackhead know your un available so they can cover for you)

[Joe Archer]

Joe-Joe, Joe-Joe-
.... If your not quoting from Killer, Matt Millens #1 brown noser, your quoting directly from the loins very own web site. Wow, talk about some objective reporting!!! I mean the loins web site? Come on Joe, you can do better than that!!!
Here is an interesting draft analysis that I hadn't seen before.
The website is Football 365, for those of us who are yearly addicts.
They give their take on "Five Teams That Had Great Drafts". Could they have possibly included the Lions in this list????
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/05/fiveteams-great-drafts050107.html


5.) Detroit Lions : Say what you want about Lions G.M. Matt Millen, but he did a fine job over the weekend. He landed the top-ranked player in the draft at No. 2 overall, choosing former Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson. The 6-5, 239-pounder is the closest thing to a "can't-miss" prospect the NFL has seen for quite some time, and he'll form an outstanding receiving duo with current Detroit star Roy Williams. Millen wasn't done after that pick, though, as he managed to select the team's quarterback of the future in Drew Stanton, a home-cooked kid from Michigan State, in the second round. Lions starting QB Jon Kitna is an unselfish veteran who did a wonderful job grooming Carson Palmer in Cincinnati, and he'll do the same with Stanton. Other notable choices: Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE, Hawaii (second round); Manuel Ramirez, OG, Texas Tech (fourth round).
Imagine that :)
<----<<<

[MEL]

Here is an interesting draft analysis that I hadn't seen before.
The website is Football 365, for those of us who are yearly addicts.
They give their take on "Five Teams That Had Great Drafts". Could they have possibly included the Lions in this list????
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/05/fiveteams-great-drafts050107.html


Imagine that :)
<----<<<

Finishing with 3-13 records kind of give you a chance to have some really good draft picks? Now if Millen can get them to finish 3-13 for the next couple of years he can select next years #1 WR. And the following years #1 WR!!! Oh wait, hasnt he already done that a few times and still finishing 3-13? I have EVERY faith in the world that the loins can pull it out and finish
3-12, even 2-14, such lofty goals are with in there reach:lol:

You should have also posted the story in that site about Martz and Millen Axx's being on the line this year. Or were you reading the site with your Blue and Silver glasses on?

[Joe Archer]

You should have also posted the story in that site about Martz and Millen Axx's being on the line this year. Or were you reading the site with your Blue and Silver glasses on?
My feeling is that it is going to be hard for the Lions to keep Martz around after next season. His contract is up, and the offense made some significant strides last season in spite of a decimated o-line and running back corps. Kitna passed for over 4000 yards, had over a 62% completion rate, and we had 2 receivers go over 1000 yards. With the improvement in the offensive line, the addition of two more quality receivers, and two more quality running backs; the Lions have a legitimate shot to challange for one of the top offenses in the league. The bitter sweet part is that this will result in Martz going somewhere else as a head coach. Like I said in the past, if we can't replace him with someone like Steve Fairchild, the offense may take a hit the following year.
You are correct, Martz may be gone. However, he will not be fired and the organization will miss him after he takes another head coaching position.
Millen? He has about as much chance at being fired as I do of being hired as GM.
<----<<<

[Joe Archer]

Quarterback Trent Green finally received his wish and was traded to the Miami Dolphins for a conditional 2008 draft pick. This trade now leaves another QB as the odd man out. Daunte Culpepper made it clear that if Green was acquired, he would want to be traded or released, and it appears that one of those two will happen in the near future.


As of right now, Miami is trying to trade Culpepper for a late draft pick on the second day in 2008. Although nothing has really become public, NFL.com's Adam Schefter reports that four teams may have interest in trading for Culpepper.



Possible destinations for Culpepper according to NFL personnel men that speculated on the matter still include the Detroit Lions, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New England Patriots and the St. Louis Rams.

I find it interesting that Detroit is mentioned, but would not be completely shocked if this progressed. Detroit's quarterback situation right now is a limited one. After Jon Kitna, the backup job will go to Dan Orlovsky or rookie Drew Stanton. There isn't a whole lot of experience there in case of an injury or something like that, so bringing in someone like Culpepper could help that problem. At the same time, it could just complicate things more than they need to be. Acquiring Culpepper would leave Kitna looking over his shoulder and would especially make the fight for second string a fierce one.

Rod Marinelli has made it clear that Kitna is the starting quarterback, so trading for Culpepper would do two possible things: 1) Provide an actual competition for the starter's job if the team struggles and make Kitna work even harder than he did before or 2) Cause some controversy throughout the team if sides are taken.


My opinion on this is that if you could get Culpepper for a 7th-rounder, go for it. I won't ask the question, "What's the worst that can happen?" For Detroit's luck, Culpepper would suffer another injury and basically lose a 7th round pick. But again, Culpepper would add more depth to a relatively weak position.


Keep an eye on how this turns out in the next week or so. One last thing to think about when considering Culpepper in a Lions uniform is if he would even want to come here. If he was traded to Detroit and just sat on the bench, then why not go to New England and sit on the bench for a Super Bowl-caliber team? We'll have to see where this one goes.
Culpepper to the Lions.... Good or Bad? What do you think?
Not exactly a "corn bread" post, but probably the most interesting developments in a somewhat lack-luster week of events for the Lions.
<----<<<

[Jimmer]

I can't see C-Pep coming to Detroit. Last year Miami fans thought they had a steel when they got him, and they ended up having Joey blue skies as their starter.
Besides, Kitna put up pro-bowl numbers last year minus sacks and turnovers. Those two stats should be much improved this year if the o-line stays healthy.
If Kitna gets hurt? I don't think Dan-O is great, but he wouldn't be so bad that the Lions finish with 3 wins again. It's a transition year, no need to rush out and try to win now.

[pescadero]

Culpepper to the Lions.... Good or Bad? What do you think?
Not exactly a "corn bread" post, but probably the most interesting developments in a somewhat lack-luster week of events for the Lions.
<----<<<

Bad... he's exactly the type of QB Martz doesn't like. He's inaccurate, and dumb as a post. Not good at making reads, and not good at understanding coverages or adjustments. Big arm, empty head.

--
lp

[MEL]

Sounds like a Millen move. Trade a 2nd round pick for a 30 something broken knee QB who made his mark due mostly to his knees (running)

Questions for all the loins fans (well both of you) why is Miami trying to get rid of him? Hmmmmmm, Cause they got Trent Green? Well, why did Miami get Green if they had Culpepper already? If im right (and usually i am)
isnt Green also no spring chicken? He's Got to be 30 ish...32ish!!! So its not like Miami wants to sell 'Pepper for a young up and comming talent.
They want to get rid of him cause he's damaged goods. A running QB who cant run no more or could be crippled if he takes another hit in the knees??
What do you do with Danny O.? Guess the 2 years with the loins were all for not? Danny O should be more able to run the "complex" Martz Offence
and Pepper would have to learn that offence. Could take years for someone with Peppers brain power to grasp the Martz system.
Of course with the way the loins O line plays, maybe they need to stock up on 5 or 6 backups! I wonder what ever happened to that Joey Harrington fella?

I think the loins can finish 3-13 next season with out him!!!:whistle:

On a side note. I heard on the radio 1270AM i think it was, that they had a practice today at a local Detroit High School. Fitting, very fitting dont you all think?

[gunrod]

Culpepper is too slow a QB for Martz's offense. He's also a pure drop back / pocket passer. I think even Millen would pass on this. I believe Drew Stanton is the man of the future in their eyes......I won't venture a guess on him myself yet.

[Joe Archer]

I thought that post would generate more discussion.
In any case, I agree with the consensus... Culpepper to Detroit would be a BAD move! I know the organization has been high on Orvlaski for quite some time. He has always been described as the "gym rat", "smart", "hard working", and "dedicated" kind of guy.
It will be interesting to see him in pre-season and wacth the competition for the number 2 spot between him and Stanton.
<----<<<

[bigcountrysg]

Here I thought you were gonna give us a recipe for some good cornbread too. How dare you tease me like that.

[Joe Archer]

I know it is only Tuesday, but this is mouth watering stuff and I am not going to be here Friday..... Before you read, make sure you have a napkin so you don't drool all over yourself!

http://blog.mlive.com/lionsinsider/2007/06/scouting_report_mike_furrey.html
Scouting Report: Mike Furrey
Posted by Tom Kowalski June 12, 2007 06:00AM
Categories: Scouting Report

A lot of people believe Mike Furrey is a "Mike Martz creation'' but that doesn't do justice to the man. Furrey is a fine football player who was lucky enough to be in position to get a "Mike Martz opportunity.''

Furrey's passionate desire to play football was imbedded long before he ever knew Martz. Furrey played his collegiate ball at Northern Iowa before going to the XFL and then washing out of the Jets training camp in 2002. Undaunted, he went to the AFL where he set several receiving records and hoped for another shot at the NFL.

He got it with Martz and the Rams in 2003 but after two unimpressive years (catching 20 passes and then one, respectively), he was converted to safety in 2004. It's not that Martz didn't think Furrey could play receiver but there was no room for him there. Martz was also desperate for safeties - he thought Furrey would be a decent backup - and also didn't want to lose his character and special teams skills.

After a surprisingly strong year at safety, intercepting four passes and returning one for a touchdown, teams wanted to sign him as a free agent - at safety. An ESPN scouting report said it was Furrey's best option because, as a receiver, he'd be no better than a No. 4 in anybody's system.

When compared to the 98-catch, 1,000-yard season Furrey had last year, you'd that scout should find another line of work. But the reality is that, physically, Furrey is a No. 4. He has decent quickness, but doesn't have great speed. He's not going to outrun anybody in the NFL and he's only 6-0 and 205 pounds so he's not going to muscle anybody either.

But here's what Furreys' got: Tremendous football knowledge and understanding of the concepts that Martz uses - he has a great feel for how he wants to attack an opponent. Furrey also has tremendous concentration and his focus during games is why not only Martz, but quarterback Jon Kitna can depend on him to be where he's supposed to be. Furrey then caps it off with excellent hands and toughness. He's going to catch almost everything thrown at him and he's not afraid of going over the middle. Now, he's also going to calculate the risks and there are times when he catches the ball and realizes there's 800 pounds of anger steaming toward him and he'll start to get low and look for a soft spot to land.

There are times on the football field where discretion is the better part of valor.

Furrey signed a big off-season contract, despite the fact he was probably going to be "demoted'' to the slot position. If the Lions didn't sign Kevin Curtis as a free agent, they were going to take a hard look at Calvin Johnson, who they believed was by far the best player in the draft.

It seemed a little odd at first that Furrey would welcome the addition of Johnson but if you look a little deeper into Martz's offense, you can see why Furrey has reason to believe he'll do even better than last year.

Furrey doesn't have the speed to burn anybody deep so it limited what he could do on the outside. It also allowed the defense to cheat a little because they weren't afraid of anything snapping behind them. Now, with Furrey on the inside and all of his skills at his disposal, the defense will be even further softened by the outside presence of burners like Johnson and Roy Williams.

Furrey is going to make a killing on the inside because defenses will have the option of committing forces to stop Furrey on an eight-yarder or shoring up the outside to prevent Johnson or Williams from going 80. Not much of a choice, is it?

The other thing Furrey brings to the table is huge - he has the ability to take over at either outside position in case Johnson or Williams gets dinged up. No, he's not going to be the same long threat, but he's capable of doing some damage out there - as his 98 catches and 1,000 yards will attest.

Martz is the guy who gave Furrey the knowledge and opportunity to be a productive NFL receiver, but it was Furrey's passion for the game and his unrelenting desire to get better every day that has formed this "creation.''

<----<<<

[MEL]

There you go again, quoting Killer, the loins #1 brown noser. He's got his nose up Marenilli, Millen, Martz, and Fords butt. Sounds like more loins propaganda.
Wonder if Furrey can play DT, I got a feeling they might be needing one real soon.:lol:

PS: Why dont you have Thousandcasts of Jimmer guest host your Friday cornbread Thread? I always enjoy the laughs and it helps to set up the weekend for me with a good laugh!!!

[Joe Archer]

....
PS: Why dont you have Thousandcasts of Jimmer guest host your Friday cornbread Thread? ......
If anyone is so inclined to submit a good cornbread recipe this Friday in my absence, please have at it.
In the very least, when I get back on Monday I would like to see some candid shots of the stripper in question! :D
<----<<<

[Joe Archer]

His results may be questioned, but his character is rock solid! Read the article and you will agree/

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070621/SPORTS01/706210394/1049

"I've already seen it, how it's going to end in Detroit," the Lions' coach said Tuesday night. "We're going to win a world championship there. That will happen."
<----<<<

[MEL]

His results may be questioned, but his character is rock solid! Read the article and you will agree/

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070621/SPORTS01/706210394/1049
<----<<<

Spoken like a true loins fan!!! Looking... no, grasping!!! for anything to hang onto to justify da loins. Yeah, the loins suck but our coach sure has character!!! But when you have the worst team in football i guess you have to grasp at something!!!

Personally, I'd rather have WINNING TEAM than a coach with character after the last 6 or 7 seasons!!! Give me a coach who hangs with Shawn "Packman" Rogers at strip clubs. Or drives around butt naked with his D-line
coach and frequents the Wendys late nite pick up window. Anythings better than having another 3-13 season with a Character coach:dizzy:

The hell with a character coach, its time, no....its way past time to get a WINNING coach

Are you doing tomorrows "cornbread"?

[Joe Archer]

The hell with a character coach, its time, no....its way past time to get a WINNING coach
Are you doing tomorrows "cornbread"?
Did you read the article? It wasn't so much about football and winning. It was about drive, perseverance, dedication and passion.... for life goals in general.
I have always liked Marinelli. The more articles I read about him, the more I respect what he stands for. The more I read, the more I start to believe that maybe he did know what he was doing when he drafted Francis, Alexander, Davis and Baldwin to play on his defense. The more I learn about Marinelli, the more I start to believe that, hey maybe he is the man who will turn things around in Detroit and build a winning attitude. If setting life goals and attaining them are any indication; maybe this is indeed the man who will one day take them to the championship.
How's that for Friday Cornbread! :corkysm55
<----<<<

[Jimmer]

If setting life goals and attaining them are any indication; maybe this is indeed the man who will one day take them to the championship.
How's that for Friday Cornbread! :corkysm55
<----<<<
That is some very thick,moist,chewy,belly-filling cornbread.
:lol:
I AM NOT going to get my hopes up. Man-love for Marinelli aside, the Lions have a loooong way to go before I start boasting about em.

[Joe Archer]

That is some very thick,moist,chewy,belly-filling cornbread.
:lol:
I AM NOT going to get my hopes up. Man-love for Marinelli aside, the Lions have a loooong way to go before I start boasting about em.
Dude! It's Friday! Doesn't everyone do happy hour lunches on Friday afternoon? :lol:
<----<<<

[MEL]

That is some very thick,moist,chewy,belly-filling cornbread.
:lol:
I AM NOT going to get my hopes up. Man-love for Marinelli aside, the Lions have a loooong way to go before I start boasting about em.


Man, you know its bad when Jimmer starts dogging the loins!!!
Was only last season or the year before when he was perhaps the biggest cornbread eatin, Kool-ade drinking loins fan on this site. I remember thinking
what will happen first: Jimmer loses hope or the loins move,sell,get bought out or the NFL just gives them a 0-16 record and asks them NOT to play.

[thousandcasts]

I think Marinelli will be a winning coach--with the Lions. People with his drive and tenacity just do not fail. It's an admirable trait really and sooner, rather than later, I think the Lions will reflect that.

[Jimmer]

I wasn't dogging the Lions, the truth is bad enough. I won't start boasting about how explosive the offense is, or how stout the defense is until they hit the .500 mark.
;)

[Joe Archer]

.......and so comes the weekly cornbread! Each week I comb the internet to find tid bits of facts and fiction (well, mostly fiction :) )to entice Lions fans to consider that their could be hope for their team this year.. It is not that I really believe there is hope, I am just a football fan and always look forward to the new season. The Lions are my team and they have made enough changes to at least spark my interest. They will be in the very least, fun to watch! Right now I am interested. If they start out 2:2, i will be hopeful!
Here is a great article....

Lions' Furrey having fun in the driver's seat
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070627/SPORTS01/706270368/1049

<----<<<

[BoonDog]

Love the Friday "meal" Joe - thanks for the weekly dose of optimisim!! :)

BD

[Joe Archer]

Love the Friday "meal" Joe - thanks for the weekly dose of optimisim!! :)
BD
Free seconds today....
The Lions will have a good offensive line?
http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=457986
Mmmmm Mmmmmmm Yummy!
<----<<<

[GMONEY]

as always thanks for the laugh joe:lol:

[MEL]

as always thanks for the laugh joe:lol:

You to, Gmoney??? He always cracks me up:lol: :lol: :lol: Fridays just aint the same when Joe is out of town!!!
Matter of fact, i think Joe should be a comedian. He could do standup...

I can see him on stage now.......

"Did you hear the one about the Jew, the Baptist and Matt Millen.....

"Heres my loins top 10 worst moments.......Er Ah....Make that my loins top
10,000 worst moments"

"Detroits a rough town.. its so rough that the other day i was walking Downtown with my Kitna jersey on and 3 guys jumped me, ripped off my jersey and put a Tigers jersey on me"

"Mr Ford is so rich.... (audience) HOW RICH IS HE??... He's so rich that he's the only owner in the NFL who dosent care if his team loses.... as a matter of fact, the more he loses, the more the fans buy his tickets"...

"Marinelli, Millen and Ford are talking in the office. Ford says "something smells like crap, did you crap your pants Marinelli? No he replys. "Matt Did you crap your pants" asks the old man. No replys Millen...what stinks like crap is your football team Mr. Ford"!!!!

[tubejig]

Dammit, I was so looking forward to Millen crapping his pants in the last one.

[Joe Archer]

Lions Improved? NFL.Com says so

Vic Carucci, one of the top writers for NFL.com -- the official web site of the National Football League -- graded the teams that have done the most and the least in the offseason.

The Detroit Lions rank near the top of those who did the most. The other three NFC North teams -- Chicago, Minnesota and Green Bay -- rank at the bottom of those who have done the least.

Carucci ranks five teams who did the most to improve, and put the Lions at No. 3. Carucci cited the draft of Calvin Johnson, acquiring offensive linemen Edwin Mulitalo and George Foster, tailback Tatum Bell and defensive end Dewayne White.

The Bears, Packers and Vikings all were in the bottom five for doing the least.

None of that means the Lions will become a power in the NFC North, and two things should be taken into consideration. The Bears were 13-3 last year. They are still the best team in the division. Even if they drop by three games, they'll finish first again. The Packers had a strong 2006 draft. Those players will be a year older, with a year of experience. The Vikings were bad last year, and they'll be worse in 2007.

<----<<<

[GMONEY]

Lions Improved? NFL.Com says so


<----<<<





:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

your making my side hurt joe

[MEL]

Good 'ol Joe. Ya gotta love the guy!!! He must have a heart as big as Ford Field!!! AND A HEAD AS THICK AS CONCRETE!!!

Wow, some smuck from NFL.com says the loins will be improved this year!!!
Talk about going out on a limb!!!:dizzy: News flash!!!! The loins were 3-13 last year!!!! If they IMPROVE to 4-12 i guess that makes him right???? Thats kind of like me predicting that it will snow in Michigan this winter!!!
I mean, as bad as the loins are and they are bad, its not much of a strech
to say they will win one or two more games!!! So if they go 4-12 or God forbid, 5-11 that would be a vast improvement!!!:lol:

I heard on the radio a while ago: If the loins win EVERY single regular season game, every single season til the end of the decade they still wouldnt finnish but about .500! for the entire decade.

[Joe Archer]

Good 'ol Joe. Ya gotta love the guy!!! He must have a heart as big as Ford Field!!! AND A HEAD AS THICK AS CONCRETE!!!
.
Don't shoot the messenger. Or, in this case cornbread delivery man! :rolleyes:
<----<<<

[PrtyMolusk]

Howdy-

Hey Joe! No talk about the 'new' QB they just inked? (O'Sullivan, one of the top NFL Europa guys)

I know, you're just waiting for Friday so it's 'official' cornbread......;)

I actually think it might be a smart move; I'm not sold on the current QB lineup......:16suspect

[gunrod]

Season tickets just arrived today so I'll throw out some weekday cornbread of my own.

I don't remember where I read it but liked the article that says Martz is staying next year and helping to sign free agent QB Marc Bulger.:yikes:

[Joe Archer]

Howdy-

Hey Joe! No talk about the 'new' QB they just inked? (O'Sullivan, one of the top NFL Europa guys)

I know, you're just waiting for Friday so it's 'official' cornbread......;)

I actually think it might be a smart move; I'm not sold on the current QB lineup......:16suspect
Shhhhhh.... it is not Friday yet! However, I am thinking about taking off Friday and heading north for some fishing so I may not be around.
It would be hard to label the O'Sullivan trade as cornbread though. He will be in the mix fighting for the #2 with Orvlasky and Stanton. Even though he does have some pro experience, he may just be there as an insurance policy. What bothers me about the signing is that I doubt they will keep 4 QB's. The way I see it the biggest battle may be between O'Sullivan and Orvlasky for a ROSTER SPOT. In that case, I fear Orvlasky may be the odd man out and I was kind of pulling for the kid.
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[GMONEY]

as always....................:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Joe Archer]

Dontcha just hate when that happens?

Since I wont be around tomorrow here is a fast food version ....
This from ESPN.com

With training camps approaching, Scouts Inc. ranks the NFL teams 1-32 at nine positions. Today's position: wide receiver.

5. Detroit Lions
Is it too early to rank the Lions' wide receivers among the best in the business? Absolutely not. Calvin Johnson is just that good of a prospect. He is a rookie and surely will have some growing pains as all newcomers do, but Johnson is a superstar without physical weaknesses. He will get by on hard work and talent alone this year, and then be among the top players at the position in the next few years. Roy Williams is an out-of-this world athlete who is quickly becoming a complete receiver. Williams is already among the better players at his position and defenses will have a brutal time producing a game plan against this duo. Mike Furrey is solid and should do a great job in the slot and as the No. 3 receiver. QB Jon Kitna is a lucky man.
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[BoonDog]

Lovin' every minute of it Joe!! Those are some mighty tasty morsels there!! Now, where is the Super Bowl held this year?? I may have to start checking airfares......... :lol: :lol: :lol:

BD

[Joe Archer]

I read this one earlier in the week and could hardly wait for Friday. It seems the Lions faired rather well in Sports Illustrated's "Power Ranking" by Peter King! http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/07/16/mmqb/1.html

July 16, Sports Illustrated: 13. Detroit: Some year I'll pick the Lions to do something good and actually be right about the prediction. This is the year they make a quantum leap, I believe, because the defense will adjust to Rod Marinelli and new coordinator Joe Barry and play well. I like a second year in the Mike Martz offense. If you let Jon Kitna slide past the fourth round in your fantasy draft, you're absolutely crazy. Keep one name in mind on defense: Ikaika Alama-Francis, who, at 6-5 and 280 pounds, will get the chance to be the kind of interior pass-rush presence Marinelli needs to make his defense work.

Mmmmm mmmmmm baby! Pass the butter!
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[Jimmer]

How did I know you'd quote that article today?
:lol:
That's the biggest slice of cornbread so far!

[Joe Archer]

How did I know you'd quote that article today?
:lol:
That's the biggest slice of cornbread so far!
It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it!
You have to admit the cornbread has been pretty good this year.
I really am looking forward to training camp, pre-season, and the start of regular season.
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[Joe Archer]

With training camp under way, most of the draft picks signed, and Drew Stanton getting excellent reviews.... It was not easy to pick the best "recipe" today...
However, I think this one wins...
Imagine Simeon Rice as insurance for Kalimba Edwards and Warren Sapp as insurance for Shaun Rogers...


Thanks Killer!
Blog: Will Lions look at Simeon Rice?
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/07/blog_will_lions_take_a_look_at.html
We'll know more about this when we talk to head coach Rod Marinelli after the morning practice, but here's my guess: The Lions will bring in Simeon Rice for a physical and, if his shoulder is OK -- and his contract demands aren't too outrageous -- the Lions will do everything they can to sign him.

Now, those are two pretty big hurdles to clear. The Bucs cut the three-time Pro Bowl defensive end because he failed their physical after he underwent shoulder surgery last season. Also, Rice was scheduled to make about $7 million in salary this season. His demands will be linked to how much interest other teams in the league have. I don't suspect the Lions will get into an extensive bidding war.

Acquiring Rice would be excellent "Kalimba insurance.'' While the Lions have three players --- Kalimba Edwards, Dewayne White and rookie Ikaika Alama-Francis -- who they want to give a lot of playing time to, that position is absolutely vital to the success of the defense. Rice would start out taking Corey Smith's spot in the rotation, but if Edwards doesn't live up to expectations -- or Rice still has that spark -- then he becomes a bigger factor.

Some of you have also asked about the possibility of acquiring Warren Sapp if he becomes available and I think the very same principles apply. It'll come down to health and money but if those two factors can be satisfied, the Lions should take a serious look.

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[tubejig]

Atleast the Lions would lead league in one category.:rolleyes: The highest paid defensive line in football.:dizzy: Thats what the coach knows best, so thats what we will see on the lowly Lions. Those suckers need corners not big fat washed up verterans.

[BoonDog]

Hmmmm Joe, that cornbread seems to taste awfully funny.......don't go puttin' any of that Columbian "parsley" in the recipe and hope we don't catch that!! :lol::lol::lol: That recipe has some good potential if it bakes out properly!! In all seriousness, a solid and aggressive d-line could bring some pressure off our d-backs and give our D enough holding strength to win some games in the clutch.....but on the O side we'll need to outscore everyone. Hoping our D is going to hold is a tall order, but this batch could cook up well!

BD

[MEL]

Thanks Killer!
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Hey, did Killer really write that???? If so, how did he get his nose out of Millen and Fords butts long enough to write all that???:rolleyes:

[thousandcasts]

Hey, did Killer really write that???? If so, how did he get his nose out of Millen and Fords butts long enough to write all that???:rolleyes:

No kidding! Kowalski is the worst...and I mean WORST Lions beat writer out there. :rant:

[Joe Archer]

What could be more fitting for a Friday morning. No matter how you look at it, this needed to be done!

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/08/lions_johnson_agree_on_sixyear.html

August 3, DetroitLions.com: The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed first-round draft choice WR Calvin Johnson to a six-year deal. Additional terms of Johnson's contract were not disclosed.
Johnson (6-5, 239), was taken by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech, where he is regarded as this year's premier playmaker coming out of the entry draft. His tremendous combination of size, speed and catching ability have earned him All-American honors on two occasions and have groomed him for a career in the NFL. Johnson was named to the first team All-ACC three consecutive years (2004-06). He was also awarded the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2004. In 38 games, Johnson set school records with 2,927 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns. His 178 career receptions rank him second all-time in Yellow Jacket's history.

In 2006 Johnson tied for second in the nation with 15 touchdown receptions. He set a school single-season record of 1,202 receiving yards on 78 receptions. He led the ACC in receptions per game (5.4) and receiving yards-per-game (85.9). Johnson was named ACC Offensive Back of the Week four weeks during the season (including three of the first five weeks). He showcased one of his best performances during the Toyota Gator Bowl against West Virginia, in which he caught nine receptions for a career-best 186 yards. Johnson was credited with the 2006 Biletnikoff Award given to the nation's top receiver, and named the 2006 ACC Conference Player of the Year. He finished 10th in the nation in balloting for the Heisman Trophy.

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I was planning on using this "yummy" article before I heard the CJ news driving into work this morning...
HAppy Friday!

THUNDER, LIGHTNING STRIKE IN LIONS BACKFIELD..
http://www.mlive.com/grandrapids/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/118560095665450.xml&coll=6
Saturday, July 28, 2007By Brian VanochtenThe Grand Rapids Press
ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli is intrigued by the possibilities of installing a little thunder and lightning into the team's running game.

T.J. Duckett provides the thunder.

He is the 6-foot, 254-pound battering ram from Michigan State who returned home after five less-than-spectacular NFL seasons to put himself in a situation to succeed as one of the newest members of the Lions.

Tatum Bell supplies the lightning.

He's the 5-11, 213-pound speed racer in the backfield whom the Lions acquired from the Denver Broncos as part of the Dre' Bly trade in the offseason.

Together, they present Marinelli and offensive coordinator Mike Martz with a lot of options while incumbent starter Kevin Jones recovers from a serious foot injury and watches from the sidelines in training camp.

"We've acquired some really good backs," Marinelli said of attempting to upgrade the league's poorest rushing offense last year. "We feel good about them. We've got guys with enough speed to make a defense pay."

And pay dearly, he hopes.

You'll recall that quarterback Jon Kitna threw for more than 4,200 yards last season, but the team still couldn't sustain fourth-quarter leads, in large part, because it couldn't control the ball on the

ground and run out the clock.

Its 70.6-yard rushing average was flat-out embarrassing.

Even when he wasn't injured, Jones, a 2004 first-round draft pick from Virginia Tech, failed to show up as a consistent threat in the backfield. He surpassed the 100-yard mark just twice in 12 games while finishing with a career-high 61 receptions.

The depth behind him was pitiful.
To their credit, the Lions took more than a Band-Aid approach to repairing the problems in their running game, especially since Jones isn't expected to return to the field until the beginning of the regular season -- at the earliest.

The team went shopping and found some bargains.

It signed Duckett, 26, a Kalamazoo native, to a free-agent contract. He reported to camp in perhaps the best shape of his life and has expressed a burning desire to help lead a turnaround of the moribund NFL franchise in his home state.

"We feel confident," Duckett said. "We start out the season with some high hopes. It's a good opportunity for me to be here. I feel like the team's almost there."

He'll unleash some thunder near the goal line.

The Lions scored touchdowns on just 40 percent of their red-zone opportunities and had just nine rushing TDs last year. In Duckett, they've found a short-yardage bulldozer with lots of mileage left on his tires after he played sparingly in Washington, finishing with a career-low 132 yards in 10 games last year.

The former Atlanta Falcons' first-round pick scored 33 rushing touchdowns in his first four seasons while providing the thunder to Warrick Dunn's lightning. He's accustomed to sharing the load in a backfield with a potent one-two punch
The Lions also shopped for a home-run threat.

The team found a trade partner it could send unhappy Pro Bowl cornerback Bly, exchanging him for both the fleet Bell and offensive tackle George Foster.

It seems Bell, 26, couldn't be happier
He was part of an alternating backfield with Mike Bell with the Broncos and finished with a career-high 1,025 rushing yards and two TDs. He had five 100-yard games, including a season-high 133 against the Seattle Seahawks.

He relishes the idea of being a full-time starter.

"I want to be the guy here," Bell insisted. "I'm not worried about Kevin, I'm worried about myself. When he gets back, he gets back. My goal is 1,400 yards this year."

It'll be interesting to see what both can accomplish.

The opportunities are there for Duckett and Bell to suc ceed. In addition to the injured Jones, the Lions cut veteran Shawn Bryson at the start of training camp and second-year runner Brian Calhoun is coming back from a serious knee injury.

"You can't assume anything," Marinelli said of a timetable for the rehabbing Jones' return to the lineup. "(Bell) has some real special skills. Ouch! I mean the speed is good. And (Duckett) is a physical guy; we love that."

A few sharp crackles of thunder and some brilliant flashes of lightning just might be in the forecast for the Lions' ground game this year.

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[Jimmer]

80 catches, 1,200 yds, 15 TD's.
If Calvin can duplicate that we're in good shape on offense.
Defense...well who knows.
You should have put the article about Bly up. So many people called him the Lions "best" defender. So for all them....the Denver camp is booing him because he is getting burned by their back-ups.
:lol:
You get old and lose a step, that trade will be a real coup, wait and see.

[GMONEY]

"We feel confident," Duckett said. "We start out the season with some high hopes. It's a good opportunity for me to be here. I feel like the team's almost there."



"I want to be the guy here," Bell insisted.
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these two clowns statements are as funny as some of joes:lol:. i bet bell won't want to be the "guy" after 4 games.

[BoonDog]

That's good news all around Joe....I'm stuffed! On paper...and I say ON PAPER to all the bandwagon naysayers.... the Lions possess one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL. If you combine Roy Williams and freshly signed Johnson, and Mr. Furrey as the outlet receiver, couple that with a respectable line and the "thunder and lightning" backfield:dizzy: - that's reallllllllly tough to stop. Not to mention a proven offensive genius like Martz, this season could start the march out of that nasty cellar the Lions have called home the last three......hell, the last decade! Call me the optimist, but I see a winning record this year......:chillin:

BD

[GMONEY]

stop drinking joe's kool-aid, boon. how many times have you heard on paper the lions have a great offense, seems like every year doesn't it. on paper and on field seem to worlds apart:D

[BoonDog]

stop drinking joe's kool-aid, boon. how many times have you heard on paper the lions have a great offense, seems like every year doesn't it. on paper and on field seem to worlds apart:D

WHAT!! Joe has kool-aid too!!! Where??? :lol::lol::lol: I know, I know - but for some reason I think it's different because of the quality of the key players and the coaching staff (and not the nekkid ones either). I think these guys are different - in that they actually know what the hell they're doing and have done it before.....but your right it is the Lions.:sad: But,I am a dreamin' man.... :)

BD

[thousandcasts]

We're goin' to the superbowl, goin' to the superbowl. Whoop, whoop, whoop, I am Napolean...whoop, whoop, where's my meds?

ZAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!!!!!!!!

OK, I'm better now. Good deal they got him in camp. I'm stoked. :cool:

[RichP]

Good deal they got him in camp. I'm stoked. :cool:

same here

[Joe Archer]

Dang! Cornbread season is officially over. I'm sure we will get 'em next year! :D
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