Detroit Lions Defense = Not Good

When Detroit Lions rookie running back Kevin Smith was asked about get his first 100-rushing game on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, Smith said, "Having 100 yards was OK but every back on the field had 100 yards."

While Smith had 112 yards in the 31-22 loss to the Panthers, Carolina had two backs hit the century mark: Jonathan Stewart (130 yards) and DeAngelo Williams (120 yards).

Wow, I'd hate to see how bad our defense would be if we didn't have a Defensive Coach like Rod Marinelli running the team.....or maybe we'd better?

Changing of the Guard...errr I mean Running Back

Apparently the Detroit Lions rookie running back Kevin Smith has been replaced in the starting lineup by recent free agent acquisition Rudi Johnson. Kevin is letting the team know he is not happy with this move, but is willing to work hard to get it back. Smith was quoted as saying "Personally, I don't like it. I think I should be playing a lot more. But it's all about winning,''

Smith also said "I've got a new attitude. I went home at the break and got a new attitude, I'm just going to get me better. Now I'm going to work on getting myself better every day and try, not the impossible, but I've got the mindset that I'm going to try to hit a home run on every play now. I might only get one carry. If I only get one carry, I've got to make it count.''

In this year's first three games of the season, Smith had 29 carries for 102 yards (3.5-yard average) and scored one touchdown. Johnson, who was signed at the end of training camp, has 18 carries for 99 yards (5.5-yard average).

Overall I agree with this move, with how actrocious the Lions offensive line is, there is no sense in letting our talented rookie get his face punched in every Sunday.

Pre Season Game 1 vs NY Giants

A few thoughts on the Detroit Lions first pre-season game vs. the New York Giants.

• The Lions are standing by their vow to run the ball more this year, however it didn't look very effective. The run block looks pretty bad at this point.
• Kevin Smith seems to be the best running back the Lions have on the roster. In game 1 he looked agile and looks like he could be productive should the run blocking improve.
• Gosder Cherilus isn't ready to start, he made quite a few rookie mistakes in game 1.
• The Lions linebacking core is shaky, but Buster Davis had a fairly impressive outing. He is undersized, but I think he could rise up the depth chart if he keeps playing well.
• Drew Stanton looked impressive and aggressive running around the field last night, but he'll need to show he can stay in the pocket and throw for first downs if he plans to be the starting QB someday.