The Detroit Lions' Lengthy Injury Report Could Be a Good Thing
by VoiceoftheLions on Oct 9, 2009 3:45 PM EDT
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PrintThe Detroit Lions' current injury report reads like a list of Lions impact starters.
Matthew Stafford, Gosder Cherlius, Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson, Grady Jackson, Sammie Lee Hill, Ernie Sims, and a handful of others populate the team's injured list, with various levels of practice participation between them.
Some will play, some will not. We likely won't know which until Sunday.
This is the injured list heading into Sunday's game against the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
So why am I not concerned?
Simple.
The Lions are almost certainly going to lose this game anyway. Starters or no starters, it's going to be very difficult to overcome this Steelers team, even though they've struggled thus far in the season.
What this is, instead, is a sort of preseason game.
Yes, I know the game counts, and yes, I know the Lions would have a better chance of winning it with a fully healthy roster. But winning only really matters if you're trying to get into the playoffs.
And if you've watched the Lions for the first four weeks and you're still thinking playoffs, they make very special padded rooms for people like you.
I've said since before this season started that the 2009 season would be sort of an extended preseason for 2010, and it still rings true.
Sure, you want to win preseason games, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. All you really want is to evaluate your roster top to bottom, work on team chemistry, and identify areas of need for the future.
In other words, winning this game is not as important as getting a look at a few depth players.
Don't believe me?
Consider the case of one DeAndre Levy.
Buried on the depth chart for the first two games, Levy got the call to start after an injury to star linebacker Ernie Sims. Almost unanimously, Sims's injury was decried as a terrible blow to the Lions' defense.
But Levy responded to the call, notching 14 total tackles (including two straight on the goal line against Washington) and a forced fumble in the two games since Sims's injury.
Now, we know Levy is a pretty good football player, and we owe it all to Sims's injury.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not happy about injuries to any of these players. And indeed, seeing rookies like Stafford and Hill go down is a blow, since those players need to develop (though if Stafford misses time, Drew Stanton getting some reps would make it easier to swallow).
But I can't be upset about getting to evaluate players with upside like Aaron Brown, Landon Cohen, and Zach Follett as a result of injuries to Smith, Jackson, and Sims.
We already know the starters are good, and we know more or less what they can do. They will help the Lions win when they return.
In the meantime, can Brown produce? Will Cohen's 50 reps translate to on-field impact? Can Follett unleash the hurt in the NFL like he did in college?
Answering these questions now, in regular season action, only serves to improve the Lions' outlook for the future.
If any one of these players proves capable of performing, even on a second-string level, then that's one less free agent signing needed. One less draft pick needed. One roster spot secured, at a time when the entire roster has been somewhat transient.
Personally, if I had to choose between the starters playing and coming out with a win against Pittsburgh, or losing and finding out one of the Lions' seventh-round picks can play at a starting level in the process, I'd rather fill the roster spot.
The Lions' management spent the entire offseason signing bargain players, hoping some might impress, given the chance. It's time to find out if they can.
Because the difference between the Lions and teams gunning for the playoffs is not wins and losses—it's players.
If the Lions beat the Steelers, would you think the Lions were a better all-around team?
Of course not. The Steelers have more guys who can play the game, whether they're do-it-all superstars or solid role players.
A good team has its fair share of both. The Lions lack both.
But maybe, after this Sunday, they'll be one or two steps closer.
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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I understand what you're saying
I don’t necessarily agree it, but it’s a “glass 1/2 full” spin for the injury bug evaluations. I can’t say I expect them to win, but I’d love to see an upset.
The padded room you described, does it come with a box of crayons? Honolulu blue is my favorite flavor…
Look,
I’ll paint the room Honolulu blue and fill it with Lions plushies wearing #20 jerseys with the new logo. But it’s not going to get the Lions to the playoffs this year.
by VoiceoftheLions on Oct 10, 2009 6:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I would understand your point somewhat if...
they weren’t already playing every rookie we have and we were 2-10. Injuries are to the detriment of the team, so I just can’t sign on with this type of thinking. Also, just throwing in the towel in the fifth game of the season is totally unreasonable for me. I understand that we are playing for the future… they’ve conceded that by starting Stafford and other rookies (and I buy into that approach wholeheartedly). And I know what we have talent wise and the post-season is most likely not in the cards for ‘09 (my expectations of this team are well known here). That said, there is no way that I want to see the Lion’s treat this like a preseason game. I want this team scrapping, fighting and using every available player and scheme to find a way to knock off the Blitzburgh Steelers. The exposure and confidence that a win over the reigning Super Bowl champs would give is absolutely priceless.
I know you are trying to capture readers by making a bold statement, but your point doesn’t hold much weight when two of the injured players are Stafford and Hill… both prominent draft picks. Those injuries do nothing but put us behind schedule. You talk about seeing Cohen and Brown and what they can do…. are you watching the games? They have both played… a lot.
I usually don’t point out things like this, because I hate when people nitpick other people’s posts (I’ve been the target more than my fair share), but…. a sentence doesn’t make a paragraph. It would be easier to read if the thoughts were more cohesive. Hopefully, you take this as constructive criticism, not me trying to belittle your post. I’m not by any means a journalism major, so take it for what it’s worth…….
Not a bad rebuttal at all...
Totally see what you’re saying, but understand, I’m not just talking about the rooks. Stafford and Hill are likely out, and I would like them back. They don’t factor into what I’m saying here.
And fear not, I’m not saying the LIONS should treat this like a preseason game, I’m saying WE should. Don’t judge success on whether or not we win the game, judge it on how certain players handle pressure situations.
Yeah, I’d love it if we were to beat the defending champs. But at the end of the day, it’s irrelevant, just like a preseason game, because this team, much as I love it, is NOT going to the playoffs this year. But with all the injuries, we’re going to see lots of reserves get extended time, so what we have is a rare opportunity: a chance to see deep bench players play a championship squad with regular-season intensity.
In a sense, it’s even BETTER than a preseason game. I mean, bench players come in and outperform the guys they replaced all the time, right? Who was talking about Jason Hunter before the season started? But in the preseason, it doesn’t really matter.
But say, oh, Marvin White, just claimed off waivers from Dallas, comes in and records 9 tackles, two picks and a forced fumble against the Steelers. He’s a gamer, doesn’t show really well in practice, but just goes berserk once he sees the field. He has a breakout season, and is a staple in the Lions’ defense for years. He would never have seen the field if not to injuries to guys in front of him (Ko Simpson, Marquand Manuel, Kalvin Pearson).
And I’m not saying White will do it. It could be anyone. Follett, Brown, Andre Fluellen, whoever. It doesn’t matter. Because of injuries, some players are going out there with the opportunity to prove they’re better than everyone thinks. And if we find out one of them is, then it’s worth it, even if the Lions lose this Sunday. And since a win against the Steelers THIS year is only going to move us down the draft board, I’ll take the chance to find the surprise player, rather than a victory with a healthy roster.
by VoiceoftheLions on Oct 9, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
No, I see your point
And in theory, it’s good to see the young guys and “tryouts” get time during a season that is most likely not going anywhere anyway. But… you can’t package it like that. I’m usually one for calling it like I see it, but like n4ry4 said below… you play to win the game. If playing Marvin White et al helps you win the game, then by all means play them. But I don’t think the regular season is a place for hosting future roster tryouts in place of known products. I think a little bit of both (i.e. playing young unknowns with savvy vets) is a good situation for teams rebuilding. You ARE essentially playing for the future, but you have to give a good effort on Sundays with a legitimate chance to win. At the end of the day, I want the best players on the field until our post-season hopes are mathematically gone.
You're right...but...
those players are not available to play right now. Play to win the game, absolutely, and those guys on the field will do just that.
If Sims, Manuel, Simpson, Hill, etc. were healthy and ready to go, then absolutely, I’d say start them. And play to win the game. You’re out of your mind if you think I’d call to bench our best players for the sake of “roster evaluation.” But right now, those players are not available, so we’re going to trot out some reserves and see what they can do.
All I’m saying is there’s some upside to it.
by VoiceoftheLions on Oct 9, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of players who don't show as well in practice
What about Drew Stanton? He always seems to get it done in games, in what limited chances he’s had. If Stafford can’t start Sunday, why not start Stanton instead of Culpepper? With Culpepper, we know what we’re getting (I know what a 5-yard pass looks like). IMO, that’s not enough against the Steelers. Why not try Stanton?
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
Hey... count me in with that.
I’d love to see Drew get the start over Daunte…. as long as he’s healthy, of course. Why not? What is there to lose? I think Stanton can actually help us win. Not that Daunte can’t do that as well, but I’ll reiterate it for the umpteenth time… what does Daunte give us in any long-term value? Answer: nothing. It would be different if Stanton was say… Jeff Garcia. Then I’d say play the better of Garcia or Culpepper… who actually cares? But with Stanton, there is still a ton of upside, plus some experience would do him wonders. Also, at this point, how many people can say for a fact that Daunte is actually better than Stanton? I can’t. Truth be told, we have the last four years of bad tape on Daunte and virtually no tape on Stanton… how can you even compare the two? Hell… throw the kid in there… see what he can do.
This, of couse, is all contingent on Stafford being out… which, in my opinion, is still questionable. Personally, I think he plays… just a gut feeling.
That indeed would be interesting
I wouldn’t have a problem with it…would see it as unlikely though.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
by Hyperion Ecta on Oct 10, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Like others have said
I can see what your saying. The chance to see our depth in real-time situations is exciting for our future. But like Drew said, I’m hoping they don’t just play for the sake of talent evaluation, we need to play to win.
Also, I’d love it if a young player, or a 2nd stringer has a breakout game, we would need one for a victory.
2009 = The start of the Lions Golden Age (We hope).
Pretty much what I'm hoping for, too
Ideally, we could play our reserves, see how they handle the pressure of a regular-season game, and still win the game. And if there was any hope of that, it would be my best option.
I mean, who wouldn’t want to play their second string against the defending champs and still win? But this is the NFL, and we’d have a hard enough time pulling this one out at 100%.
You guys seem to think I’m calling for the team to play this like a preseason game, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the reason it’s exciting is because they WON’T treat it like a preseason game. But with all the reserves trying their hands at game time, it might look like one, roster-wise.
And therefore, the FANS, you and I and everyone else in Detroit, need to treat it like a preseason game, i.e., winning and losing is not the most important aspect of the game, the most important aspect is showing improvements in key areas, building chemistry, and possibly finding a breakout player or two.
by VoiceoftheLions on Oct 9, 2009 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Does one game really help evaluate our depth guys all that much?
We’ve already had an entire offseason and preseason, plus four games where a lot of these guys have seen plenty of action in a real game, plus all the practice and film study along the way.
I don’t think the benefit of watching some backups who would play some anyway against Pittsburgh get to start and play a little bit more is worth the drawback of having to lose a lot of our starters. Not by a long shot.
I want them to win. You don’t play a regular season game to evaluate your depth guys. You play to win the game. You don’t play just to play. You play to win the game.
I have a rebuttal... but
Herm says “play to win the game.”
My argument is invalid.
by VoiceoftheLions on Oct 9, 2009 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Herm's the Cadillac of coaches
(insert bailout joke here)
What? He can’t block a dead gopher? Humph, details.
I'm sorry but
I can’t agree with any statement that says a lengthy injury report is a good thing. I say this with all sincerity. Yes it’s nice to get some in season experience for back-ups, but after a 0-16 season, I would rather have our starters on the field where they belong, developing continuity amongst themselves. Work developing players in through rotations or during situations where games have been decided (hopefully in the Lions’ favor).
Real Quick
DeAndre Levy was not responsible for the goal line stop. That would be Larry Foote.
I think he’s getting far too much hype.
its not right
even though the lions are huge underdogs, they should go out their( no matter who is starting at qb) and act like its the superbowl because tht is wat they r paid to do. even if they are losing 28-0 they should still play their hearts out because thts y they play the game. players play the game to win the game no matter who the opponent is. If pittsburgh had the same attitude I believe the lions would win because nobody can overlook any opponent because on any given day, one team can beat another team.
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