Charles Rogers is Smart

Former Detroit Lion and current Village Idiot Charles Rogers will be back in court soon after passing out in a Mexican restaurant in Novi after drinking too much. This is of course a violation of Charles' probation and if convicted, he will most likely face jail time.

This was a particularly great decision by Charles considering a few months earlier he was found by the Novi Fire Department passed out in his car with the engine running. Rogers failed sobriety tests and was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while impaired and driving without a valid license.

Detroit Lions: Who's in & Who's Out

The worst NFL team of the decade and maybe ever, the Detroit Lions will begin trying to figure out who to keep and who to give the boot before next year. Personally, I hope at least half the team is cut. The Lions were ridiculously hard to watch as they just didn't have the talent to compete with other teams.....again.

Below is Tom "Killer" Kowalski's position-by-position breakdown of the 2009 key players and whether they will be around in 2010.

Quarterback
Matthew Stafford is the starter and Daunte Culpepper won't be back. Look for the Lions to bring in a veteran free agent to compete with Drew Stanton for the No. 2 job.

• Who's in: Stafford
• Who's on the bubble: Culpepper, Stanton

Running back
The Lions likely will try to upgrade their No. 1 spot, but they like Kevin Smith and Aaron Brown in backup roles. Fullback Jerome Felton will have to show improvement in camp.

• Who's in: Smith, Brown
• Who's on the bubble: Maurice Morris, Felton

Wide receivers
The Lions won't give up on Derrick Williams after just one year. Bryant Johnson and Dennis Northcutt still are under contract, but it's unlikely both will stay, especially if the Lions draft a speedy receiver.

• Who's in: Calvin Johnson and Williams
• Who's on the bubble: Bryant Johnson and Northcutt

Tight ends
The position is pretty much set. Brandon Pettigrew is the starter and Casey FitzSimmons is the all-purpose guy who also is strong on special teams. Will Heller is an unrestricted free agent and the Lions will look to sign a blocking specialist.

• Who's in: Pettigrew and FitzSimmons
• Who's on the bubble: None

Offensive line
Other than the four top starters, this unit could undergo a huge transformation. Dylan Gandy could be back because he can play guard and center, while Jon Jansen provides excellent experience at backup tackle.

• Who's in: Jeff Backus, Dominic Raiola, Gosder Cherilus and Stephen Peterman
• Who's on the bubble: Jansen, Gandy, Manny Ramirez and Daniel Loper

Defensive line
Cliff Avril had a disappointing season but he has some special skills, while Sammie Hill is a work in progress. Grady Jackson's future is uncertain if the Lions draft a tackle and some of the other veterans have a chance to stay, but nobody's a lock.

• Who's in: Jared DeVries, Avril and Hill
• Who's on the bubble: Jackson, Jason Hunter, Dewayne White, Landon Cohen and Andre Fluellen

Linebackers
The Lions could look to replace Larry Foote and Julian Peterson. DeAndre Levy can fill one of those spots. Foote is an unrestricted free agent and Peterson has a huge contract, and it's very unlikely he'll take a pay cut.

• Who's in: Ernie Sims, Levy and Zack Follett
• Who's on the bubble: Peterson, Foote and Jordon Dizon

Cornerbacks
Will James and Anthony Henry are unrestricted free agents, while Phillip Buchanon played well in the second half of the season but his inconsistency irritated the coaching staff.

• Who's in: Eric King
• Who's on the bubble: Buchanon, DeAngelo Smith and Brian Witherspoon

Safeties
If he keeps on his current track, Louis Delmas is on the verge of something special. He needs some help. The Lions need to add speed and savvy. One of the veterans could return, but, again, no one is a lock.

• Who's in: Delmas
• Who's on the bubble: Ko Simpson, Kalvin Pearson, Daniel Bullocks and Marvin White

Drew Stanton Wants to be in Detroit

Drew took to his blog today to let everyone know (or anyone who cares in the slightest) that he wants to remain a Detroit Lion.

"I never said that I did not want to be in Detroit if I was to be the third-string quarterback, I merely stated that third-string quarterbacks do not have long careers. I for one, would love to have a long career. I recognize the importance of showing this franchise that my worth can exist as a backup. I know what my role has the potential to be as the Detroit Lions move forward and that is what I am focused on." stated Stanton

Can we seriously just let this guy go already and end this debate? I am sure Drew's a nice guy, probably works hard in practice and is a local talent. But he is also the essence of why the Lions stink. Drew was a guy drafted waaaaaaay too high, has been injured for the better part of his time in Detroit and is never going to amount to anything more then a guy living on the fringe of a professional football roster. Release him and lets all move on already.

Stafford Believes Lions Aren't Too Far from Being a Solid Team

Detroit Lions rookie QB was quoted as saying: "I don't think it's too far at all...A couple of pieces here and there and another year together is going to be a big thing and experience playing together for another year. I think we'll be just fine.''

Ummm... news flash Matt. The Lions were 2-14 this year, the lowly Kansas City Chiefs are 4-12. Anytime the Chiefs are 2 games better then your team, that is a solid indicator that your team is a long ways off from being a good team.

Lions Punked by Browns, Fall to 1-1 in Preseason

The Cleveland Browns hadn't scored an offensive touchdown in seven consecutive games, but they needed less than four minutes to score a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in Saturday's preseason game at Browns Stadium. The Browns, who were blanked in the final six regular-season games last year and the first preseason game this year, beat the Lions 27-10. Both teams are 1-1 in the preseason.

Detroit rookie Matthew Stafford struggled. Stafford got the start and was picked off on his first pass, and the Lions went three-and-out on the following two possessions.

Stafford finished the game 5-of-13 passes for 34 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. Stafford, who had a passer efficiency rating of 14.6, played in six possessions and did not lead a scoring drive.

The first overall pick in the draft had problems with his accuracy, missing some receivers high and throwing behind others. On one pass, he had a pump fake to Jennings, who came wide open downfield and Stafford fired a rocket several feet over Jennings' head.

Culpepper finished the game by completing 10-of-16 passes for 86 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.

Charles Rogers, Weed & Pain Killers, Oh My!

From Deadspin.com

If you ever wondered how former Lions #2 overall pick Charles Rogers turned out to be such a bust, Jemelle Hill of ESPN got the answer from him: Construda. Construda AY-DAY.

In the sneak peek of the interview released by ESPN, Rogers tells Hill he smoked marijuana on a daily basis, then became addicted to painkillers after breaking his collarbone twice, in 2003 and 2004. Wow, weed AND painkillers? Just call him Ricky Favre.

In 2005, Rogers flunked his third drug test with the NFL, and was obligated to return $10 million of his $14.2 million signing bonus to the Lions. Rogers was cut by the Lions in 2006 and never played in the NFL again, going to jail last December for violating probation stemming from a domestic violence arrest. Watch this interview even casually, and it would appear as though Rogers is STILL baked.

Lions Waive Daniel Bullocks

The Detroit Lions on Wednesday confirmed they placed safety Daniel Bullocks on the waived/injured list. The Lions signed free-agent linebacker Robert Francois to take his place on the roster.

Bullocks, who has been troubled by knee problems since a major injury two years ago, was a second-round pick in 2006. First-round pick Ernie Sims is now the only player on the Lions roster who remains from that draft.

Lions Pettigrew Remains on Injured Reserve

Lions rookie tight end Brandon Pettigrew is unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason game at Cleveland and may be out for a while after that. Head coach Jim Schwartz all but said Tuesday that the Lions are shutting Pettigrew down because of his lingering quadriceps injury.

"We've done a lot of tests on it," Schwartz said. "We've consulted a lot of different people. It's been a nagging thing. It hasn't responded as well as we would have hoped. I don't want to declare anybody out, but it's unlikely he would play vs. Cleveland and then probably, rather than taking a day-to-day approach with it, maybe take a little bit longer-term approach with the idea of trying to get him back."

With all of the Lions injuries this pre-season, their injured reserve list looks more talented then their starting lineup.

Lions Kicker Hanson Underwent Knee Surgery

Detroit Lions place kicker and the franchise's only consistent scoring threat for the last decade, Jason Hanson had minor knee surgery this morning. The Lions wanted to get the small issue taken care of rather than let it linger and turn into something that was going to nag him all season. Head Coach Jim Schwartz would not disclose which knee was involved and was not definite about when the injury occurred.

Hanson, who is entering his 18th season, kicked two field goals, including the winning 47-yarder in Saturday’s exhibition, but he had some trouble with kickoffs.

The Lions better hope this is only a minor injury, otherwise an already below average offense could become even worse!

Grady Jackson Faces Suspension?

From: Pro Football Talk.com

When lawsuits were filed against the NFL to block the suspensions of five players who had tested positive for the potent diuretic secretly included in the over-the-counter supplement known as StarCaps, defensive tackle Grady Jackson also had been suspended four games. However, his internal appeal before the Commissioner’s office had not been resolved.

But Jackson’s appeal was not rejected by the league. Instead, the matter was “deferred pending additional information.” (Sounds like the initial outcome of Newman’s mail fraud investigation.)

Still, it’s clear that Jackson took StarCaps, given that he filed a class action against the manufacturer of the product. So now that the path has been cleared for the suspension of Saints defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant and free-agent running back Deuce McAllister, the league could soon reopen Jackson’s case and formally suspend him, too.

With Jackson now a member of the Lions, his lawyers should be researching Michigan law for the kind of protections that apply in Minnesota. Georgia law should be examined, too, given that Jackson was a member of the Atlanta Falcons when he tested positive.

And Jackson’s case introduces a new twist — can one employer impose a suspension arising from conduct occuring while the player was employed by another team?

They've Done It Again!

I see the Lions have adopted a new method of acquiring players in the off season. Drafting for talent and not need. Sounds like a great idea right? If you suck at defensive tackle, who cares? The best player on your board is a tight end. Pick him up! Need a linebacker? Pish posh, take a safety! Desperately need an offensive lineman? This is a no-brainer, take a high priced QB who will sit on the bench most of next year.

If they continue with this methodology, ignorance and putrid game play through 2009, expect them to get the first pick of next year's draft as well .....and draft another QB, most likely Sam Bradford since he'll be most likely the best player available next year.

Sound silly? It is. But it's how this group of brainiacs think apparently.

Lions Trade Redding for Julian Peterson

Ideally the Detroit Lions' defense would like to put a lot of pressure on the opposing team's quarterback (something they haven't been able to do in past seasons) and now they have got a better weapon to do so.

Julian Peterson, the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker, was acquired by the Lions on Saturday in a deal that sent defensive tackle Cory Redding to the Seattle Seahawks. Also as part of the deal, the Lions also sent their fifth-round draft pick to the Seahawks.

Peterson had five sacks last year and has a total of 46 for his 9 year career. He had a career-high 10 sacks back in 2006. While Julian does not fit the young talent core that the Lions are hoping to build around, he does fill a gaping hole in their defense and can contribute immediately.

What the Lions Should Do - In My Opinion

The Detroit Lions have so many needs and holes to fill on their roster, it's ridiculous. But the Lions have signed some good, not great talent such as Grady Jackson, Philip Buchanon and Antonio Bryant. Which is the wise thing to do, if you ask me. Go after young good players with potential, instead of pricey veterans who have past their prime.

Some fans ask why not go after the stars like Ray Lewis, T.O. and Albert Haynesworth?? They would help the team immediately! The reason is simple, this is not a video game. When your team stinks, the great players don't want to come to your team. Also, just to get a top notch player to a consider your crappy franchise, you have to pay a steep premium. It's not worth it.

For the draft this year I'd like to see the Lions pick Aaron Curry (LB from Wake Forest) with the first pick. He is a solid linebacker that could play along side our best defensive player Ernie Sims, not to mention he is widely considered the safest pick in this year's draft. Many people predict the Lions will take Matt Stafford. It's just my opinion, but I think Stafford is a good QB who happens to be in a weak pool of QBs, not necessarily a great prospect like Matt Ryan was. I have a feeling Stafford compares more to Alex Smith then Matt Ryan and we all know how that turned out. The Lions should just ride out Daunte Culpepper for another year and then go after Sam Bradford next year.

With the 20th pick, depending who is available, I'd take one of these guys in this order of preference: Vontae Davis (CB - Illinois), Jerry Peria (DT - Mississippi) or Michael Oher (OT - Mississippi). I would be happy with any of these picks. Each one of them could make an immediate improvement and impact on the Lions roster. No "project players" in this bunch.

0-16 Lions Cartoon

From Bangcartoon.com

Check out the link below. It celebrates the Lions accomplishment of being the first team to not obtain a single win in a 16 game season.

Click Here!

Lions Still on the Hunt

The Detroit Lions have three new prospects on their free agency radar...

The first player is the mammoth Defensive Tackle Grady Jackson who is listed at 345 pounds and played for the Atlanta Falcons last season. Grady is a 12-year veteran and is expected to sign with the Lions as long as he passes a physical today.

The second player is Daniel Loper a 320 pound offensive tackle who played a reserve role with the Tennessee Titans the last four years.

The third player is L.J. Smith, who spent last year with the Philadelphia Eagles as their Tight End. L.J. is a skilled Tight End, however, there are questions regarding his durability, as he has had trouble staying healthy as of late.

Buchanon to Detroit?

Word on the street is that free-agent cornerback Philip Buchanon has told the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he wants to play for new head coach Raheem Morris.

However, the Bucs have not yet been able to get Buchanon re-signed and now he’s looking around the league for other suitors. A league source has said that Buchanon will land in Detroit for a visit on Monday with the Lions.

Buchanon was drafted by the Raiders in 2002 and then also had a stop in Houston and most recently in Tampa Bay.

Detroit Lions on the Prowl in Free Agency

The Detroit Lions are on the move in free agency so far this off season signing back-up running back Maurice Morris yesterday, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks to help carry the load with Kevin Smith in the backfield. Additionally, today they have also signed former San Francisco 49er wide receiver Bryant Johnson to a 3 year, $8 million dollar deal to be their #2 receiver behind Calvin Johnson.

Lastly, it also has been reported the Lions have traded veteran back-up QB Jon Kitna to the Dallas Cowboys for what has been described as "late round picks".

So far so good for Detroit's new front office regime in off season acquisitions.

No You Dih-Int Cleveland!!!

Has Shaun Rogers already worn out his welcome with the Browns? Apparently he's asking to be released due to multiple acts of "disrespect" by new coach Eric Mangini.

From nfl.com

"Browns Pro Bowl defensive tackle Shaun Rogers is so disgruntled with new coach Eric "Mangini and the new regime that he’s asked the team not to pay his guaranteed $6 million option bonus next month, nfl.com’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday night.[...]

Rogers is reportedly miffed about two off-season incidents in which he feels Mangini snubbed him. The first time, Mangini walked into the Browns’ training room and didn’t say hello to Rogers, the source said. The second time, Mangini and Rogers were together in the media room at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Jan. 23 and neither acknowledged the other."

Ummm Why?

According to Adam Schefter of NFL Network, the Detroit Lions have re-signed guard Stephen Peterman. Detroit fans, you might be asking yourself why?

Well, I don't have the answer for you. You would think the Lions would want to clear out all of the tackling dummies they called an offensive line last season, but instead have given Peterman a five-year, $15 million deal, with $5.5 million in guaranteed money.

WHYYYY???

Pathletic Lions Really Know How to Pick'em!

Tom "Killer" Kowalski of Mlive.com is reporting that The Sporting News War Room (which employs former NFL scouts) put together their list of the top 99 available unrestricted free agents and guess what? Not a single Detroit Lion free agent made the list! That speaks volumes about the kind of talent that Millen and Marinelli were bringing into Detroit over the past couple years.

The Lions notable free agents for this offseason are QB Dan Orlovsky, LB Paris Lenon, G Stephen Peterman, WR Shaun McDonald, DT Shaun Cody and RB Rudi Johnson. And yet none of those players are projected to be better then the 99th best free agent that The Sporting News selected.

You might be asking who is this outstanding player that is ranked 99th on the list that is so much better then any Lions' free agent? That outstanding athlete is cornerback Jason Webster. Jason played in just four games over the last two years and yet he is still considered to be better then Orlovsky, Lenon or Shaun Cody! Mind you that those three Lions players I just listed were all starters for Detroit.

Good God...