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.

Another Lions Signing

The Detroit Lions have signed yet another former Tampa Bay Buccaneer. The Lions have agreed to terms with this 8 year old, used blocking sled. Terms of the deal were not announced.

This particular sled was used by Rod Marinelli's defensive line in Tampa Bay from 2000-2005. When asked about the signing, coach Marinelli said, "This is a big move by our club. I know what to expect out of this sled, and this sled knows what to expect from me. This is going to make this team better."

Survey Time:

Which ex-Bucs signing will make the biggest impact on the Lions?

a. The Sled
b. Brian Kelly
c. Kalvin Pearson
d. Teddy Lehman (Yes, I said Teddy Lehman)
e. None of the Above

Wow! What a surpise... or not

The second stint of often-injured linebacker Teddy Lehman in Detroit looks to be over.

The Lions placed Lehman on the IR after he suffered a hamstring injury. Detroit is expected to cut Lehman and sign free-agent linebacker Darnell Bing.

Who is to Blame?

Here is the first interactive poll for all you Game Face viewers......

Who is to blame for the Detroit Tigers meltdown of 2008?

1. Dontrelle Willis and his inability to crack the rotation.
2. The three headed monster of Rodney, Zumaya, and Jones in the bullpen.
3. Jim Leyland complacent managing style (no steals, hit and runs or bunts)
4. Justin Verlander not pitching like a slump stopping ace.
5. Trade of Jair Jurjenns and Gorkys Hernandez for Edgar Renteria.

Another Buc Available

John Lynch is now a former Denver Bronco. And more importantly for the Lions, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Could Lynch be the next Buccalion?

Breathe a Sigh of Relief!

FHEW! Relax everyone.... the Pistons have FINALLY resigned Walter Hermann to another 1 year contract. You can celebrate tonight knowing that the "One Man Full Court Press" will be in Detroit another year.

Are You Playing or Not?

I usually like to think, because it's mostly true, that the NHL is the most gentleman-like sport of the major sports. There are rarely issues with superstars having over-inflated egos. You almost never hear of contract holdouts. Even the fights end on good terms with the combatants giving each other a pat on the head or a nod of respect.

However, there is an ugly element to the NHL that has popped up in the past couple of years. It's the "Am I going to retire or not" decision by some of the aging superstars in the league. These players are literally holding their respective teams hostage. Last season the Anaheim Ducks had to wait until the midway point of the season before Scott Neidermayer and Teemu Selanne decided to play the rest of the season for the defending Stanley Cup Champions. At that point, the Ducks welcomed back the two stars, but had to discard two regulars who played those positions for the majority of the season up to that point.

The Vancouver Canucks are kind of going through the same issue right now. They offered free agent, Mats Sundin, a two year - $20 million contract. And Mats doesn't know if he wants to continue playing or not. He's not going to decide until mid to late August, which by the way is about two weeks before training camp opens. Meanwhile, that's $10 million the Canucks haven't been able to target other players with for the upcoming season. They've made a few minor signings which haven't really improved their team. If Sundin decides he wants to retire, the Canucks have missed out on the free agent bonanza that has already taken place.

The same thing is taking place in Colorado. Long time captain Joe Sakic is taking the summer to decide on his future. The Avalanche haven't been able to participate in free agent spending until they know how much money they need or don't need for Sakic.

Of course, part of the blame does have to go the teams for allowing this to take place. If you're a GM, you can't allow your team to be put on hold by one player.

C'mon NHL and team GM's. Let's not create prima donnas in hockey. If a guy needs take half a year or more to decide whether he wants to play, then he's probably not worth waiting for.