Monday Notes: Dan Orlovsky/Daunte Culpepper Edition

by Sean Yuille on Nov 3, 2008 4:10 PM EST in Detroit Lions Notes

Dan Orlovsky is out for a few weeks or even longer, according to FOXSports.com's Jay Glazer. Orlovsky had his right (throwing) thumb x-rayed today, and although no fracture exists, his hand was in a removable cast.
Orlovsky sprained his thumb on the first play of Sunday's game. Despite the injury, Orlovsky played pretty well for the most part. Obviously the interceptions he threw were bad mistakes, especially the one at the goal line, but aside from that I thought he played alright.
With Orlovsky's status in doubt, the feeling is that Daunte Culpepper will start against Jacksonville on Sunday, even though he hasn't even officially signed yet. Culpepper will have very little time to practice with the Lions, so it would certainly be interesting if he does end up starting. I can't say that it would be uglier than what we have seen earlier this season, but Culpepper hasn't even played in an NFL game in nearly a year.
Even if Orlovsky is healthy enough to play on Sunday, my guess is that the coaches would opt to start Culpepper instead anyways. There is undoubtedly a sense that something has to change simply to keep the fans interested, so Culpepper may be seen as the person to create a buzz in the fanbase.
Rod Marinelli confirmed that Culpepper has agreed to a contract with the Lions.
Culpepper also confirmed the deal and spoke on his decision to join the Lions in an e-mail to the Associated Press.

"As a result of doing some research on different places to play, the Detroit Lions seemed to be the best fit for me," Culpepper told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I am encouraged by the commitment of ownership, the vision of management and the great potential of the talent that is on the team."

"I hope to contribute to the team in whatever role coach (Rod) Marinelli needs for me to play," he wrote.
It is expected that Culpepper will officially sign his contract after a physical and the move will be announced by the Lions later today or tomorrow.
Culpepper already has a locker at the Lions' headquarters in Allen Park and will wear #11, which became available when Roy Williams was traded to the Cowboys.
Kevin Smith already knows Culpepper, as the two worked out at the same place in Miami earlier this year. Both went to the University of Central Florida.
According to Dave Birkett, Culpepper's salary this season will be prorated based on the league minimum. Next year, though, Culpepper will reportedly make $7 million.

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Culpepper

I do not like the whole change for the sake of change thing. While they should be keeping the fans interested, I think playing this season with the goal of making next year’s team a better one should still be the top priority. I was really happy with Orlovsky’s play on Sunday, although he did make some mistakes. If he’s gotta sit though, why not give Stanton a chance? He may “embarrass” himself, as Coletto has suggested, but I say he at least get a chance to prove himself. We took him in the second round; he may not be ready, but he’s on the roster for a reason. It’s his turn, and if he’s at all a part of the Lion’s future, some playing time will do him good.

by Steven Ortlieb on Nov 3, 2008 4:37 PM EST reply actions

I agree

I don’t buy that Culpepper is building toward the future like the Lions are trying to make it sound like. He is NOT the future of this team. Stanton may not be, either, but let’s find out.

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by Sean Yuille on Nov 3, 2008 4:46 PM EST up reply actions

How will Culpepper be ready?

He has to learn the entire playbook and get himself ready to play in six days. It’s not like he’s a linebacker, who just lines up and plays football, but a quarterback. I think that if he starts Sunday, it will be a disaster.

Plus, he’s not the future, don’t kid yourself.

by The Prodigy on Nov 3, 2008 8:32 PM EST reply actions

Exactly

Apparently the system in Minnesota was similar or the same as the one we have now. Either way, it’s gonna be ugly.

Check out Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog

by Sean Yuille on Nov 3, 2008 8:51 PM EST up reply actions

Drew Stanton

I don’t see how anything can be more embarassing than paying Millen millions of dollars a year for 8 years or however long.

Plus, what’s more embarassing than Daunte Culpepper.. he was unemployed for like 4 months , i mean seriously..

I say screw colletto , fire him for being the worst offensive coordinator in the history of ever, and just throw the kid in. Worst case scenario he gets hurt or just sucks and then we still have culpepper. Whats the big deal and why are the coaches so retarded?

by MatthewDC on Nov 4, 2008 1:11 AM EST reply actions