Entries Tagged 'Detroit Lions' ↓

The Cleveland Browns have had one winning season since they rejoined the league in 1999, a mediocre 9-7 record in 2002. Since 1999, they have shuffled between 3 head coaches, 5 quarterbacks (in the past five years!), 6 leading rushers, and 5 leading receivers.

They have ranked above 20th overall offensively (points and yards) only once in that span (2002) and have ranked worse than 25th in both categories each of the past four seasons. In fact, the Browns have won only 19 games over the past four seasons, a pathetic .300 record.

But they hope to change their luck in 2007, a rebirth if you will.

Offense is what the team will draft this season, the third in Romeo Crennel’s tenure as the head coach. They will look closely at where their needs will be best filled, either at quarterback, running back, or wide receiver. In fact, three major players could be on the board when Cleveland drafts; it’s time to analyze their options.

The rumor is not new, that Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas may be drafted 2nd overall by the Detroit Lions. Detroit needs help on its offensive line, and Thomas could anchor it, specifically the left side — the quarterback’s blind side.

Thomas has had some injury concerns, but his size and power are unmatched by any other tackle in this year’s draft. In fact, he’s a projected top 5 selection. But a couple things are holding his selection by Detroit from being realized.

According to a report at DetNews.com, Calvin Johnson “wouldn’t mind beginning his NFL career” in Motown. Unfortunately, the Johnson quotes they provided do little to cement that idea.

“It’s always good to visit places, see the coaches and players, see the facility,” Johnson said. “It was nice to come here and check out this place.”

Certainly, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind being drafted by the Lions — though 1st round receivers seem to be a dime-a-dozen in Detroit — but what he said may have simply been out of kindness.

Full story at MLive.com:

The Lions refused to say anything about Mike Williams and his shaky future with the team, but they really didn’t have to because actions speak louder than words. Head coach Rod Marinelli wanted to see what kind of commitment Williams was willing to make to being in shape, playing football and being part of the team.

Marinelli got his answer Tuesday. Williams was a no-show for the team’s first Organized Team Activity, a decision that will likely result in Williams being cut at some point before the start of the regular season. At this point, it’s too late for Williams to have second thoughts or even try to make amends. Clearly, Marinelli can’t trust Williams and there’s no way Marinelli is going to preach one thing to his team and also have Williams on the roster.

Full story at detnews.com:

Barry Sanders is up-front in stating his opinion about where to start building a team.

Start up front, on the offensive line, Sanders says.

“I think, every year, when you look in the playoffs and Super Bowl, that fact is made even more obvious. You always have to shore up your line of scrimmage.”

No question, Barry Sanders knows football. And being a runner, one thing he understands more than anything else is that the offensive line is the most important part of an offense.

You can have the best passer in football, Peyton Manning; but if he played behind an offensive line like Oakland, his team and his statistics would not be half what they are. Anyone who understands football knows that without a solid offensive line, the offense has little chance to perform at its peak.

Full story at Freep.com:

Clayton also says that Tampa Bay is interested in moving up in the draft from No. 4 to the Lions’ position at No. 2 to nab Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson.

If Tampa Bay is interested in moving up specifically for Calvin Johnson, they would be well advised to wait until Oakland picks.

Despite the rumors, nothing is set in stone that says the Raiders will take Jamarcus Russell first overall. In fact, some speculation is rising that Oakland is preparing to draft Calvin Johnson, and owner Al Davis is merely swaying the media and creating this expectation. Because while Davis was quoted saying that Russell is similar to hall of fame quarterback John Elway, he may simply be messing with our heads.

Full story at Freep.com:

John Clayton of ESPN.com reports that the Lions are in trade negotiations with the Raiders regarding backup quarterback Josh McCown.

The Raiders apparently are looking for a veteran QB as they mull whether to draft LSU’s JaMarcus Russell or Notre Dame’s Brady Quinn with the top pick in this month’s NFL draft. McCown signed with the Lions last off-season, but lost the QB competition to Jon Kitna and saw his only game action at wide receiver.

Josh McCown spent the first part of his career in a doomed situation, playing quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals. But his surrounding cast can’t be totally blamed, and he has been known to make mental mistakes.

NFL defenses do not willfully give up yards. Ever. Fortunately, some defenses are worse than others, which is why teams can sometimes score at will.

As a fantasy owner, you should have a pretty good idea of which defenses are the weakest and which are the most overwhelming. The following is a list of all 32 defenses, in order of strength.