Quarterback situation

by lions_sucker on Jan 12, 2009 10:40 AM EST

There's been alot of discussion over what position the lions should take with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. In my opinion, the lions should take a LT, whichever performs best at the combines. Doing this along with aquiring talent through free agency will solidify their Oline and essential improve their offense as a whole. Doing this will allow for most of the remaining picks being used for defense, which is a far greater need for the lions, as we've shown we can score points, we just can't stop the other team from scoring more.

As far as the QB situation goes, I think you push to develop Stanton in the offseason and give him the whole 2nd half in preseason to see if he's capable of getting hit and making plays. If not, trade/release him next year. With Orlovsky we should re-sign him with the understanding that he's going to compete for the starting job/be a compitent back-up for the next 2 years. But, and many of you will think I'm crazy, our biggest hope at QB is Daunte Culpepper, at least for next season. I think if he has a quality Oline he could be a all-pro qb again. If you look at his stats, they bottom out when his sacks go through the roof, meaning a)no recieivers good enough to get open and b)the oline isn't doing their job c)no run game to set up play action or take pressure off of qb/wr. We have a rb, we have a wr, we just need a oline to protect him. He's 100% healthy now, he has the whole offseason to work out with the team and train and learn the plays, and he did a decent job this past year besides the int's (which can be credited to lack of knowledge of the lions offense/being rushed due to poor pass protection). He has a heck of an arm, great mobility, good leadership qualities, and is pretty acurate if given some time.

I'm not saying he's our savior, but I am saying he's just as good as qb's that have won super bowls in the past and those that are in the playoffs now. Look at Kurt Warner, he had a terrible 5-6 years and he's playing some of the best football of his career. If he doesn't work out next year, we draft a qb next year or pick one up via free agency. My main point is he puts us in the best position to win with the least amount of risk or loss of draft picks. And at 5 million, he's relatively cheap.

And as for Kitna, I think he's done a good job considering the situation, but I think after this years benching (masked by a bs season ending back spasm) and his age qualify him for a trade so he can retire with a team that he's happy playing for and we can move on with something in return.

So, let me know how crazy I am.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit or its writers. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.

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Comments

Culpepper!!

I agree that working out all offseason and learning to play with this team will help Culpepper Tremendously. I dont think we will get Orlovsky back though. Culpepper will do better also if he gets into better shape. He weighed in at 277 this year if he could get back down into the lower 260s I think he will have better mobility too

by hate2lovelions on Jan 12, 2009 1:26 PM EST reply actions

Stanton

Drew Stanton was a second round draft pick and in the one game he got considerable playing time he was 6-8 for 94 yds and a td. I hated how he didn’t play down the stretch because he “wasn’t ready” we were winless and we need him to get nfl experience, but still he is mobile and has planty of potential, i think we pass on drafting a qb (unless sanchez has great pre draft workouts or bradford or stafford drop) and stick with stanton and fill one of our many holes with the first pick.

by sk265 on Jan 12, 2009 9:18 PM EST reply actions

no qb...

I think we need to totally forget about drafting a qb, if they drop theres a reason, and like you said, we have plenty of other holes to fill. I think Stanton has tons of potential, but I’m worried he’s not cut out for the NFL and how physical it gets.

by lions_sucker on Jan 12, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions

Stanton

I agree that Stanton could be great however I think for next year Culpepper will more than likely start at least the first couple of games. I love Stanton he has done good things when he has gotten the chance and im glad that he is learning from the bench rather than getting ruined like Harrington. I was so mad that the lions wouldnt start him last year, but now I am glad that he didnt go out and have a bad experience with his first start. He should be fine. I def think that we should not draft a QB at all this year. If Stanton or Culpepper dont show to be good next year then we can always draft one in 2010

by hate2lovelions on Jan 12, 2009 9:38 PM EST reply actions

Kitna/Culpepper

I personally think that Kitna and Culpepper are two very capable QB’s. If we can actually get an O-line that can block for us, these QB’s can move the ball. No quarterback in the league can move the ball if they don’t have time. Kitna had his best years in Detroit passing for 4,000 yards in two seasons under Martz. Even knowing that was in a pass happy offense. we still won some games. Many teams have mediocre QB’s and still win. Look at Tennessee. We should focus on other areas that need rebuilding. Tim Tebow comes out next year we can take him. Regardless of what people think about his skills, he wants to win. He will do whatever it takes to get the W. He has the skills he needs to suceed at the next level. Everything else can be taught. This is just my opinion though.

by Quez81 on Jan 12, 2009 11:55 PM EST reply actions

Please no Culpepper or Kitna.

It’s time to move on. Re-sign Orlovsky and let him and Stanton compete for the starting job. Better QB’s coming out next year. It’s time to rebuild the team core, both on offense and, especially, defense. If they really want a QB, take Curtis Painter in the last 3 rounds.

I has a blog

"A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five." ~Groucho Marx

by Jettero2112 on Jan 13, 2009 7:13 AM EST reply actions