Not the Same Old Lions
All Things Consider — By Brandon Klein on September 27, 2011 at 8:00 am
Over The Years
It’s not easy being a Lions fan. A sea of losing, misery, and shame has showered over Lions fans for an unfathomable number of years. The Detroit Lions have embraced and thrown away their starting quarterbacks like old toys, including draft bust Joey Harrington, journeyman Jon Kitna, current Indianapolis backup Dan Orlovsky, and a washed up Daunte Culpepper. Times got even more unbearable when a past coach, Marty Mornhinweg, lost a game in overtime by choosing to receive the kick off on the count of favorable wind direction. Who can forget about the years of torment throughout the Matt Millen era, with infamous failed draft picks such as wide receivers Mike Williams and Charles Rogers. Last but not least, the 2008 winless season was an exclamation point on Lions fans’ pain, and it was the first winless 16-game season in the history of the National Football League. After the many years of misery, it seems as if fans can now open their eyes from the everlasting nightmare of constant loss.
This Weekend (In Case You Missed It)
After crafting a thrilling come-from-behind win at the Metrodome in Minnesota, the Detroit Lions are now a valiant 3-0 through their first three games. If you include their pre-season as well as the final four games of last season, they’re an eye-opening 11-0 in their last eleven games. Here is a nice breakdown of this weekend’s game:
It looked like a usual Lions team after the first half, as they were trailing 20-0. However, Matthew Stafford and his high-octane offense stepped on the gas and scored the game’s next 23 points. After Minnesota tied the game at 23 to send the game into overtime, Jason Hanson kicked his fourth field goal of the game to secure the victory at 26-23.
Notable Playmakers of the Weekend
- Matthew Stafford (32/46 378 YDS 2 TD 0 INT)
- Calvin Johnson (7 REC 108 YDS 2 TD)
- Brandon Pettigrew (11 REC, 112 YDS)
Some Facts that You May Not Care About
- The last time the Lions won at the Metrodome in Minnesota was in 1997.
- The Lions have not started a season 3-0 since 1980.
Player Praise of the Week
Matthew Stafford: If the third year pro can continue to stay healthy, this Lions team will continue as a force to be reckoned with. His two-touchdown turnover-free performance this weekend is just further evidence as to why he was selected number one in the 2009 draft.
Disappointment of the Week
Rushing Offense: The uninspiring rushing offense managed to compile just 20 yards by the end of the game. The effect of the injury to rookie Mikel Leshoure is truly showing. If there are any games where Stafford can’t get going, the rushing tandem of Jahvid Best, Jerome Harrision, Maurice Morris, and Keiland Williams are going to have to figure out ways to help win games.
Player on the Rise
Titus Young: The rookie out of Boise State is beginning to get in the groove with a 51-yard performance, including a leaping catch for an important first down. The acquisition of Young will allow Stafford to have yet another playmaker on his side for many seasons to come.
From Here on Out
We have a sunny forecast here, in Detroit. These Lions are tied with the Superbowl-winning Green Bay Packers for 1st place in the NFC North, and have winnable games at Dallas, vs Chicago, vs San Francisco, vs Atlanta, and at Denver before their bye week. It is crystal clear that this team is a team to watch as a playoff contender and more. Tune in to next week’s game at Dallas—these truly aren’t the same old Detroit Lions.
(Photo by Hawk Eyes under a Creative Commons license)
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14 Comments
brandon,
not ready to drink the lions kool aid just yet. injuries usually occur in weeks 4-7. lets see what happens. as a LOYAL lions season tix holder for the past 17 years, i have seen my share of excitement turned disappointment. Yes, it look like they are better than in past years. but who isnt? my kids pop warner team looked better than the lions past years. i hear fans cheering that “ooh, 3 wins is better that 0-16 season or 2-14.” we have come to accept mediocrity, and it should no longer be accepted. I will leave you with this. Im not sure how old u are, or if you remember this, but not long and many coaches ago, Wayne Fontes was fired for having a 9-7 season, because Mr ford felt that wasnt good enough.
look forward to you your next blog
GO LIONS!
I definitely see where you are coming from, however, the past decade has been filled with a subpar coaching staff along with failed draft picks and a poorly assembled team. This current team and coaching staff give me no reason to believe that this season will be a repeat of what we have seen in the past decade.
i guess i can only celebrate if they go 10-6 or better. should be playoff worthy if thats the case. go lions!
Kook, I think what Klein is saying is that for the first time Lions fans really have a team worthy of our cheer and excitement. The Lions have a team with depth, not a team of one. History shows us that when the Lions actually win games, it’s on the shoulders of one; remember Barry Sanders, Billy Sims. But that never gets the team very far. And Klein eloquently points out the many failed white knight draft picks. They got us nowhere. For the first time in decades we have a balanced team that looks to have broken away from the mold of the past. They are winning games as a team of many, not a team of one. Go Lions!
Right on. And after today’s game I think it’s safe to say we can “drink the lions kool aid”
Couldn’t agree more Brandon! Can’t wait to read your next blog soon!
I agree, the Lions are on the rise. This is a fantastic piece of writing.
@Ian Thanks! I definitely agree about the playoffs. I’m looking forward to the two times that the Lions play the Packers. Those games should help to shape the division race.
Great article! if the lions can stay healthy they have a great chance at the playoffs, and if they can establish a better running game then they’ll be even more dangerous. Looking forward to the next article, keep up the good work.
Upbeat, insightful and written with the optimism that this town needs. Looking forward to Klein’s next blog. Rock on!
This is amazing work
Good work! This is coherent, developed, and unified. Keep it going buddy.
This guy is right on the money!! He should be featured more often!!!
Very interesting! One of the best writers of this generation.