Lions Hopeful Jeff Backus Will Be Healthy By Training Camp

by Sean Yuille on Feb 16, 2012 11:59 PM EST in Detroit Lions News

If there were still any questions about where offensive tackle Jeff Backus will be playing next season, they were answered earlier this week by Detroit Lions president Tom Lewand. During a call with season ticket holders, Lewand talked about Backus and reiterated that the Lions want to bring him back. Lewand mentioned that Backus has been through a lot, and with things finally moving in the right direction for the franchise, they especially want him to be a part of it going forward.

Lewand also talked about the injury Backus sustained -- a torn biceps muscle -- in the Lions' loss to the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs. According to Lewand, Backus is on a timetable that should have him ready for training camp next summer.

"We feel he’s a guy who can be healthy in time for training camp and certainly he’s a guy who is somebody we’ve had discussions about him returning."

Out of all the players set to become free agents this offseason for the Lions, I don't think anybody outside of Don Muhlbach is as much of a lock to return as Backus. He has spent his entire career with the Lions, and with nobody currently on the roster ready to step in for him at left tackle, there's no sense in not re-signing him.

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I agree Sean.

And re-signing him will not be for sentimental reasons. He is right now our best option, by a country mile, for Left Tackle in 2012.

"I’m sorry for all the people who want us to run the ball 40 times a game, but we’re going to put the ball in No. 9’s hands and he’s going to make plays for us like he did today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. Amen to that Jim!

by NorthLeft12 on Feb 17, 2012 6:59 AM EST reply actions

If Gaither

is healthy, I would take him over Backus. Money is definitely not the same though.

by Arrogant on Feb 17, 2012 9:00 AM EST up reply actions

But Gaither is not healthy. Bad backs don't disappear.

And Gaither has a pretty bad history with the Ravens for taking a long time to recover. The Ravens have a pretty tight organization and locker room so don’t count on the Lions leadership to keep him focused and motivated.

by NorthLeft12 on Feb 17, 2012 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

Especially since he tends to bend too much at the waist

LT’s who don’t bend at the hips and get in a nice squat have more back problems. Unless he really works to correct his form you can expect the back problems to continue.

by Adam Keith on Feb 17, 2012 10:28 AM EST up reply actions

Gaither has been on the Chargers since last November.

He filled in at LT there the last few weeks of the season. Did a lot better than their backup Dombrowski.

Bryant McKinnie was the LT for the Ravens last year.

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Feb 17, 2012 12:36 PM EST up reply actions

but

where was he before that (before the week in KC or whatever)? Ravens
what tight organization and locker room couldn’t keep him focused and motivated? Ravens
Gaithers malcontent issues went on for a few years there. His injury issues don’t seem to be the only problem.

Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul

by Ee Oulo on Feb 17, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

Sure, but

I don’t always buy the ‘malcontent’ label every time a player gripes, especially if it’s about contract issues. Maybe he just didn’t get along with Harbaugh, or Cam Cameron, which would be understandable.

I’ll buy the argument that his back injury makes him a risk. Who knows — he might just stay in SD, considering that Marcus McNeill is coming off a major injury himself,
and Dombrowski just sucked as his replacement.

No slogans. Just win!!!

by drgarnett on Feb 17, 2012 4:30 PM EST up reply actions

True enough, perhaps that malcontent label does get used too often

I believe it is appropriate in his case just based on the media griping he was doing. While some of his fustration was due to a lack of use, which speaks volume in itself, it also went beyond just that imo.

I too think it’s a moot point. SD needs him and he needs them. I can’t see him going elsewhere either.

Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul

by Ee Oulo on Feb 17, 2012 9:17 PM EST up reply actions

I really like Backus

I know he is getting older but he is not done. Every LT has bad games but consistancy is the key. I hope he comes back stronger and lasts for another 2 years. He deserves a Superbowl ring.

by ncbur10 on Feb 17, 2012 8:43 AM EST reply actions

Apparently

Backus will need to disintegrate entirely during a game before the Lions are ready to bring in his replacement.

To be clear: I think the guy has done a pretty good job the last couple of years, and has probably been average for his career. However, it astounds me that he’s had no real competition either.

by Big Z in Orlando on Feb 17, 2012 10:41 AM EST reply actions

I can't think of any teams that actually have competitions at Left Tackle.

Unless your guy is terrible, why would you?

by NorthLeft12 on Feb 17, 2012 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

Because

He’s 34. Starting left tackles in the NFL don’t typically last that long.

He’s already exceeded expectations. How much longer will the team continue to pretend he can play indefinitely?

by Big Z in Orlando on Feb 20, 2012 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

Jeff Backus is a slightly above average starting left tackle and has been the last couple of years

What had his career in limbo in Detroit was those Millen teams of the 2000’s, not actually the talent of Backus himself. He only agreed to come back to Detroit because of the money Millen threw at him, because they didn’t have a better option. Just like right now, but this 2012 Lions team has superbowl aspirations unlike any of those Millen teams. I’d be disappointed if Backus wasn’t the starting left tackle because of the trust that Stafford/the coaching staff has in him and what he’s been throughout his entire career here in Detroit, which is very reliable.

Detroit could/should be in the superbowl discussion with Backus at left tackle come 2013. I’m happy with the o-line we got, but agree that we need replacements this year or next.

From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!

by DLions4Eva on Feb 17, 2012 2:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I agree with this

Even if someone wanted to argue that the OL is a problem, the left side of the line with Backus and Sims is definitely the strength of our OL. The real question is what to do with Dom. His knowledge and leadership is invaluable on and off the field, but physically he’s become a liability.

Formerly WestSideLionsFan. Fan of all Detroit sports teams.

by WalterM on Feb 17, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions

The limbo was probably due to the revolving door at LG.

Rob Sims is probably the #1 factor in extending Backus’s career, absolutely.

"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson

by Mavyrk on Feb 18, 2012 1:34 AM EST up reply actions

It is amazing how you put an above average LG next to an above average LT

and things look better.

How the mustashio moron never figured that out is utterly beyond me.

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by joshsun on Feb 18, 2012 2:34 PM EST up reply actions