Random Thoughts

Figured I actually attempt a posting since I haven't done much lately and Scott is too busy working:

Carlos Guillen is a Gold Glove quality first baseman...its just too bad he's our everyday shortstop. Also, while Magglio is getting the lionshare of the praise for basically keeping a pathetically mediorce to bad team afloat after the all star break, Guillen has been just as good. He and Mags are the only two guys in that lineup that I don't worry about on a nightly basis.

The Lions have two games to make me keep watching for the duration of the season. They have to beat both Oakland and Minnesota or else I'm going LIONS FREE! I swear to God I will not watch or care about another Lions game for the rest of the season if they drop either of the first two games to two of the (other) worst teams in the entire NFL.

Secretly, I'm nearly postive they are going to be pitiful. I actually am excited to watch the offense to see what Martz can do with receivers that are even more talented (although not nearly as accomplished) than the duo he had in St. Louis. The problem is their defense is downright attrocious. They have no linebackers outside of Ernie Sims (who, again, is a concusion away from a turnip). They have no secondary players period. Seriously...name one accomplished player in the Lions secondary. Kennoy Kennedy? Hasnt been relevent since he joined the team. At least we addressed the Linebacker and Secondary issues early in the draft...errrrrr, wait...we didn't. At least Drew Stanton will be the quick study and backup they need should Kitna go down with an injury. Oh wait...

Brings me to the problem that should be on every Lions' fan's mind: what in the hell do they do if Kitna goes down? Literally, this guy is the MVP of the league based strictly on the fact that he doesn't have a backup that has even experienced success in the NFL Europe. Fuck! Of course, there is no point in worrying about Kitna since the offensive line gave up the most sacks in the league last season.

So you can see how happy it is going to make me when I go Lions free come week 3.

Last: mark me down for the Atlanta Falcons for the dark horse team in the NFL this year. Here's why: First, don't underestimate the "Ewing theory" potential of losing Mike Vick. The team has a lot of talent on offense and I would expect that Bobby Petrino's offensive scheme will be sound. The defense will also be above average. Second, the NFC South isnt exactly killer with the exception of the Saints. The Bucs are pitiful and the Panthers are on a downswing. It doesnt hurt to play both of them twice this year. If the Falcons were in the NFC North I think they're in the playoffs for sure. Last, Joey Harrington. It funny that as the Lions continue to demonstrate their ineptitude and delve to even greater depths year after year, I start to route for the former players that contributed to it. Actually, I think Harrington took too much blame here for the tremendously shitty team all around. It is true that he is a pussy and checks down too quickly to get rid of the ball to avoid hits. However, if (and its a big if) he has a little faith in the Falcons O-line (not great, but infinitely better than the Lions and Dolphins) he has the arm strength and accuracy to do enough to not lose the game for the Falcons. Thats about all he'll have to do.