The Wait is Finally Over!!!

The Wait is Over

     After 19 regular season losses, the wait is finally over. At least that monkey is off the back of the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately being in the middle of Bears and Colt country, televised coverage has always been limited. With todays economy I was forced to relinquish my NFL Sunday Ticket, so needless to say, I was one of the unfortunates unable to view the end of the losing streak. I was relegated to viewing NFL Network's version of on line updates. Wasn't as exciting but it still had my adrenaline flowing, just not at the level of live viewing of a game. The worst part was not having updates, with less than a minute left on the clock. NFL Network switched to their Game Day Coverage and wasn't keeping it up to date on the time left, who had the ball etc... Flipping threw the local channels to see if they were showing the ticker scoreboards, and of course at that particular moment all the focus was on the afternoon games being played. If you could picture a guy going crazy, flipping channels feverishly, searching for any signs of a happy ending with the Lions game. Basically not finding anything for at least 10 minutes, then finally hearing those words "The Streak is over, the Detroit Lions have just beaten the Washington Redskins."  Being a long time Lions fan, I fell back into my chair, and the only thing I could think of at that very second was "At least the Tampa Bay Buccaneers keep that streak".

     Having time to reflect after it all, I decided I would go to the various Lion's forums, to see and share what I thought would be rejoicing over the victory. Instead, I found just the opposite in many cases. Yes there were signs of some feelings of happiness, but over all it was "Great win, but the Lions could have won sooner if they had only did this or if they would have done that". I was almost astonished to see this, after waiting 19 games for a victory, rather than enjoy the moment, fans were critiquing the game.

     I sat back for a moment and thought about my own feelings over this moment. Yes it was 19 games of hopes and dreams as a Lions fan. Watching Matt Millen'sdraft picks in the last several years became predictable to say the least. Fans like myself wondering how long before William Clay Ford awakens from his slumber to end this misery. Then finally the off-season came after going 0-16 (0-17 counting the last game of the '07 season). I suddenly realised I was angry. As historic a franchise as the Lions were, with the teams of the 50's, I was asking, "What happened to the Pride?" During the 0-16 season, I remember watching a starting Quarterback quiting on the team, but the fans were given the excuse of Back Injury. Then the circus began, mistakes being made, holes in the defense a semi-truck could run through, the most predictable offense being played in professional football. I reflected deeper and thinking to myself, "What the hell happened with the team I've enjoyed for so long?" Watching a coach convert a team into a contender with Monte Clark (R.I.P), going through the ups and downs with Wayne Fontes, the scratch your head what type of offense are we going to run Bobby Ross. Then the coaching Carousel begins. There were no consistencies, constant changes in various coordinators, schemes, and personel. It was a mad house to say the least. It had gotten so bad, people were screaming for the Lions to be taken off the Thanksgiving day schedule, a tradition long standing, which attributed to my love for the team. Something I personally did not want to happen, but I could not blame others for feeling that way.

    2009 the new regime had begun, well late 2008. Gone was Matt Millen. New Hope had arrived, but this hope seemed different than from past years. The head had been severed, and replaced with two heads and one of their first moves was already in the pot, with the trade to Dallas of Roy Williams. . Gone was Marinelli(good D-Line Coordinator, not head coaching material) in with Jim Schwartz, a highly recognized Defensive Coordinator. I'm sure I was not alone in watching deeply  the '09 draft. I as many Lions Fans did, analyzed what I felt the Lions needed. Well where does one begin with a team that went 0-17? Way too many needs to be fulfilled with one off-season. So the question was, the most bang for the buck with '09's economy tumbling. Well a QB would be nice, O-Lineman would be great, D-Lineman would be a great help, but what position warranted the money that would have to be paid out as a number one pick. Quarterback seemed a logical choice, though Aaron Curry was a good pick as well. I am not one of those who believe an O-Lineman warrants first pick money, late first round, early second round is more acceptable to the pallet in my opinion. After watching countless games over the college football season, and knowing the Accurate Bradford and seasoned Colt McCoy both staying in college. The two main options at Quarterback that were acceptable in my opinion was Stafford and Sanchez. I liked Stafford'sarm strength, and his maturity, and his experience in the SEC is always a bonus. The SEC having the flavor of NFL pro-style defenses to contend with each and every week. I liked what I saw in Sanchez as well, very well poised after only starting one season. That was the hitch though, yes he was in a Pro-Style system for four years, but game starting experience of one season. So unlike many I wasn't disappointed with Detroit'schoice, after all they had a verbal agreement with Aaron Curry if Stafford wrestled over the money. So either choice was acceptable for me. Than came the 20th pick, oh did this pick draw the ire of the Detroit Fans. Stud TE Pettigrew was chosen, watching him play in college, I knew he was a great blocking TE, plus he caught the ball very well. So in my mind's eye I felt we picked up an O-Lineman who catches a ball, he could be used to assist Backus on the left side. Made sense to me, ah but others didn't see it that way. TE's are a rookie Quarterback's best friend, and one that blocks to me is a bonus. But the over all flavor of the Draft had changed, there actually seemed to be some direction being made, not the usual randomness we've experienced over the years past.

   So the '09 season is upon us, off and running. Gone were 31 players from a year ago, in were fresh faces and cagey veterans, along with a respectable coaching staff. The team looks competitive, and are beginning to show signs of gelling as complete unit. With the Monkey off their back, I feel things will be more in "playing to win", and not having the feeling of "playing not to lose". So in ending this long Blog of mine, I say Rejoice Lion Fan, Rejoice. Enjoy the moment, this will still be a difficult season as far as wins and losses. Critique the deficiencies of the team at a later time. Brag about how in three straight drives inside the 10 yard line, the Lions marched down the field and scored. The 3rd down conversions were a huge improvement. Can you hear the choir in the background singing "Hallelujah"?

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