• It's things like this that just make me want to shake my head.
  
  The Lions reportedly are interested in Tampa Bay quarterback Chris Simms.  Yes, the Chris Simms that is fifth on the Buccaneers' depth chart.  Fifth!  Would he be an upgrade over Drew Stanton?  Maybe.  Over Dan Orlovsky?  Probably.  But why the Lions would even think about trading for Simms is beyond me.  He is a mediocre quarterback at best.  I realize the Lions don't exactly have a surplus of talent at the QB position themselves, but the thought of giving up anything to get Chris Simms makes me cringe.  Then again, the Lions also are interested in trading for LaMont Jordan, so I suppose that should tell me all I need to know.
• The Free Press caught up with new Lions safety Dwight Smith, who is glad to be home.
• The Sporting News predicts a 3-13 season for the Lions.  If that happens, meaning the Lions would have regressed back to 2006, it might be time for a change yet again.
• Also coming from the Sporting News, Jon Kitna was ranked as the NFL's 25th best quarterback, one spot behind second-year QB Trent Edwards.  Remember back in the 2007 draft when Edwards was still available long after Drew Stanton was taken?  Yeah, good call Millen.
• Rod Marinelli is on vacation to relax for a little bit before training camp starts up next week, and he doesn't really want to talk about Brett Favre.
• Don't forget to check out this post regarding Pride of Detroit's fantasy football league.  You will be able to go up against other readers of this site as well as myself.

For any new readers of Pride of Detroit, click here to register an account that allows you to leave comments, write FanPosts, or add FanShots to this blog.  Well, what are you waiting for?  Join POD today!

• IGN posted all of the NFL players' ratings in Madden 09 recently.  The Lions' ratings can be seen here.
• With the recent news of Lions draft picks being involved in legal trouble, Rod Marinelli reportedly is stressing to Kevin Smith that he must stay out of trouble.
• If you want to bet on whether or not Lions wide receiver will hold out from training camp, the odds are 10-1 that he doesn't show up.  My advice for something that wants to place a bet is that Roy will probably be in attendance for training camp despite his contract issues.  I know, I know, he skipped out on a few OTAs recently.  His excuses for missing them weren't all that great, but OTAs and training camp are two very different things.
  
• Former Lions offensive lineman Lomas Brown will work with rookie Gosder Cherilus during training camp.  Hopefully Brown gives him some advice about how to handle life off the field as well as on it so Cherilus doesn't get in any more bar brawls.  Speaking of that, Gos will face a Personal Conduct Policy review for the legal troubles he is going through.
• The Detroit Free Press recently interviewed rookie Kevin Smith.
• One time Lions coach Steve Mariucci recently stated in an interview that Matt Millen finally is changing the players on this team instead of the coaches.  It was meant to be a joke about Millen, but what Mariucci said is very true.  Millen appears to be content in sticking with Marinelli for a while and shaping the roster around him.  Then again, I believe Marinelli is responsible for most of the roster moves as he is brining in his own type of players.
• Jon Kitna had to use an Ohio State golf bag (puke) at the Buick Open pro-am last week since the Buckeyes beat Michigan last November.  Kitna has a bet with his friend every year on the game, and unfortunately his friend hasn't had to use a Michigan bag since 2003, the last time the Wolverines were victorious over OSU.

• ESPN.com's Wayne Drehs wrote an in-depth article on Lions defensive end Jared DeVries and his trip back home to survey damage done by a tornado that touched down at the end of last month.  DeVries' Iowa hometown has been demolished by the storms and his high school is completely destroyed.  The article is truly sad and unfortunately is just one of the many similar stories for people in Iowa that have had to deal with tornadoes and horrific flooding.
  
• Lions QB Jon Kitna will be playing in the Buick Open pro-am on Wednesday.  He joins the Red Wings' Kirk Maltby, former Tiger Bobby Higginson, and Kid Rock, who may be in the same group as his good friend John Daly.  That, folks, would be entertaining to watch.
• SB Nation's 49ers blog Niners Nation took a look at San Francisco's game against the Lions and predicted Detroit to lose 26-24.  I have the Lions winning that game to start the season with a 3-0 record.
• Pro-Football-Reference.com sorted through the worst quarterbacks in NFL history, and none other than Joey Harrington topped the list.  As the post explains, Harrington was so bad that he hurt his team more than any of the other QBs listed, but since he played for the Lions, continued to be on the field.  If he was in a different situation chances are he wouldn't have played as much as he did, but it was the Lions, and sadly he was the best QB on the team for much of his career in Detroit.
• Former Lions receiver Herman Moore went on WDFN recently and disagreed with what Bobby Ross had to say about Barry Sanders.
• Calvin Johnson is going to be really fast in Madden 09.

Below is the fourth part of a series previewing the Lions' entire 2008 schedule.  For the third part, which previewed November, click here.

December 7 - vs. Minnesota Vikings

In their first meeting of the year at The Metrodome, I have the Vikings blowing out Detroit.  Although Tarvaris Jackson isn't exactly the greatest quarterback in the world, he doesn't need to be with a player like Adrian Peterson lining up behind him.  Also, regardless of what the offense does, teams facing the Vikings normally aren't going to score a lot of points anyways with such a stellar defense lining up against them.

Although I do see this game being closer than the one in Minnesota, I still expect a Vikings victory.  Adrian Peterson will wear down Detroit's defense with another big game, and then Jon Kitna will be on the ground an awful lot after getting to meet the Vikings defense line all day long.

On paper: Advantage Vikings

Prediction: Minnesota wins again to sweep the season series; this one is a little closer, but that doesn't really mean much when the first game is a blowout

December 14 - at Indianapolis Colts

I honestly don't think Detroit should even waste their time with this game.  I'm just going to say it right now, this will be a blowout in favor of the Colts.  Even in the preseason that's what happened and Peyton Manning didn't have to play a full game.  Unfortunately, I see a similar result with Manning departing some time in the fourth quarter to give the back ups some playing time.

There's not a whole lot that needs to be said about a game like this.  Indy has a better coach, better offense, and better defense.  That's a lot to overcome, and Detroit isn't one of those teams that will surprise people and pull off the upset.

On paper: Advantage Colts

Prediction: Colts win by a landslide

December 21 - vs. New Orleans Saints

The Lions' final home game of the season is also the most winnable in the month of December.  The Saints are an interesting team coming off an interesting season, but should be in contention for the playoffs.  Even so, they are certainly beatable, especially at home.

At this point in the season, the Lions will be out of playoff contention for the most part with only 6 wins, and will be playing to reach .500.  This will be similar to 2007 in that sense, but unfortunately the result will be the same as an 8-win season will have to wait.

I could see Detroit winning this game as I believe it'll be a close one that goes down to the wire, but in the end Drew Brees and company pull it out for the win.

On paper: Advantage Saints

Prediction: New Orleans hands the Lions their 9th loss of the year

December 28 - at Green Bay Packers

With 8 wins out of reach, Rod Marinelli's last hope for 2008 is a win at Lambeau Field to match 2007's record of 7-9.  Although I did have Detroit beating Green Bay earlier in the season at Ford Field, everything changes when you head to the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau.

One of the biggest reasons behind my original prediction of a Lions victory over the Packers at the start of the year was due to Aaron Rodgers' lack of starting experience.  Some people believed that it would actually be an advantage to play him a second time as more film on him would be available, but I see it differently. With nearly an entire regular season under his belt, I think Rodgers will play better as time goes on.  He will have more chemistry with his receivers and should be making less of those "rookie" mistakes by December.

Considering the above paragraph, I have the Packers winning to give the Lions something they are very familiar with: a season ending with double digit losses.  Regardless of who Green Bay's starting QB is, one constant that always seems like it will be there is Detroit losing at Lambeau Field.  It is just something that happens, and with this game coming at the end of December, should happen again.

On paper: Advantage Packers

Prediction: Detroit's up and down season continues as they finish out the year on a 4-game losing streak

Recap: A quick look back on December reveals an 0-4 record for the Lions.  This comes after a 4-0 start that was followed by 6 consecutive losses and 2 straight wins.  In hindsight, I sincerely doubt the Lions will be that streaky of a team, but then again, as I have said before, if anyone would have that much of a roller coaster ride, it would be Detroit.

• ESPN's John Clayton took a look at what teams would be fine and what teams would struggle in the event of an uncapped year in 2010.  That will only happen if a new CBA isn't agreed to by then, but it is a realistic possibility.  According to Clayton, the Lions would be one of five teams that would have "concerns" should an uncapped year become a reality.
  

  Teams with older starting quarterbacks could be in trouble in the next couple of years because no top quarterback will hit the free-agent market. Jon Kitna will be 37 and unsigned in 2010 and the Lions have done very little to find their long-term starter. Drew Stanton is the best hope for the future.

  Even if there isn't an uncapped year Detroit will be in trouble if they don't start planning ahead.  Nobody knows how much longer Kitna will be a starter, and even beyond that, nobody knows how much longer he should be a starter.  At the same time, Drew Stanton has never taken a snap in this league before, leaving a countless number of question marks around him.  My opinion on Stanton has been made many times before, and it is that he isn't an NFL-caliber starting QB.  That leaves the Lions without a starter, and if they want to even think about being decent in the coming years, some planning will have to go on.
  
  Getting back to Clayton's article really quickly, he goes on to talk about how many of the Lions' current starters will have their contracts expire in the near future.  It is scary to think about, but Detroit could have trouble finding a decent starting lineup if they lost all of the players mentioned.
• According to the Detroit Free Press, Roy Williams, Ernie Sims, George Foster, Artose Pinner, and Tatum Bell were not at a voluntary OTA last Thursday.  Why?  I have no idea.  Rod Marinelli said "he knew where everyone was," so I'm not too concerned.
• Rookie Army linebacker Caleb Campbell has been greatly (and in my opinion unfairly) criticized for his decision to try and make it in the NFL.
• Running back Kevin Smith, a rookie out of Central Florida, is already impressing Rod Marinelli.  He seems to have a great attitude and solid work ethic, which are two things Marinelli values very much.  I believe he will be the starter fairly early on next season as he seems to have so much more potential than Tatum Bell or any other RB on the Lions roster.
• Madden 09 seems to agree with that assessment of the Lions running back situation as Smith is rated a 79 and Bell is only a 78.  That is fairly accurate I guess.  What's not, though, is Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson being rated a 92. On top of that, Shaun McDonald got an 87 and Brian Calhoun a 95 as the third-down running back.  The defense isn't too bad as Ernie Sims got a 94.  Then again, they gave Chuck Darby an 83, weakening the credibility of the ratings even more.
• MLive's Philip Zaroo interviewed former Lion Lomas Brown.
• Former Lions bust Charles Rogers was supposed to make an attempt at resurrecting his football career in the CFL, but as of right now he still is unemployed.  He verbally agreed to a contract with the team in Montreal a few weeks back, making most assume he was getting ready to head north of the border.  For some reason, though, in true Charles Rogers form, he hasn't sent the contract back yet and his representatives haven't returned phone calls from the team.  That sounds about right for someone like Rogers.
• Speaking of former Lions busts, Mike Williams finally may be getting serious about losing weight.  Maybe he just needed a change of scenery.  And no, his stint in Oakland doesn't count.

Below is the second part of a series previewing the Lions' entire 2008 schedule.  For the first part, which previewed September, click here.

October 5 - vs. Chicago Bears

Last season, the Lions surprisingly were victorious in both of their two games against the Bears.  The pair of wins came in an exciting way, which is a surprise for a Lions-Bears match-up.  Either way, Detroit was 2-0 against Chicago and will hope to continue that success in 2008.

The first of two meetings with the Bears comes at home and really is another game that the Lions should win.  With Rex Grossman still penciled in as Chicago's starting QB, chances are that Chicago's offense shouldn't exactly be too scary, especially when you consider that Cedric Benson still isn't reaching his potential.

Just as usual, the Bears' defense will be its strength, but it can only take Chicago so far.  Because of that, I see the Lions as the better team on paper, and also I see a 4-0 start happening for Detroit.

On paper: Advantage Lions

Prediction: Detroit wins in another close game to start the season 4-0.

October 12 - at Minnesota Vikings

Should the Lions actually start 4-0, we all will be in for quite the letdown.  I can confidently predict that the local sports radio stations will be filled with fellow Kool-Aid drinkers talking about the playoffs and how this is finally our year and all of that.  Unfortunately, it's exactly what happened after the Lions started 6-2 in 2007, and a 4-0 start would just make us all sound insane.

Heading out to Minnesota, the Lions would be in for a wake-up call if they were starting to feel a little too good about themselves.  The Vikings destroyed the Lions at The Metrodome in 2007, and I have a feeling that would happen again.  If it wasn't a blowout, then we likely would watch the Lions crush all of our hopes as they usually lose close games out in Minnesota.

As far as the match-up goes for this game, it has to favor Minnesota.  Adrian Peterson is a beast on offense, and then the Vikings' defense is going to be one of the best in the league.  It was good before this offseason, but add Jared Allen to the mix for 2008 and it is ridiculously good.

On paper: Advantage Vikings

Prediction: The Kool-Aid starts to taste a little funny after this game as the Vikings win in a blowout.  Adrian Peterson rushes for 200+ yards and Jon Kitna says hello to the ground all day long in this loss.

October 19 - at Houston Texans

The Lions never usually play well on the road, and I think we see that when they head to Houston to square off against the Texans.  If Detroit does come into this game after being beat by the Vikings, then I really don't see this as being remotely close to a win.  If it's a win the week before, then I still don't like Detroit's chances.

Both Detroit and Houston match-up pretty good with each other, but this is one of those scenarios where I have a feeling we all will be scratching our heads when all is said and done.  I see it as being a close game where Detroit gets down early and fails at coming back, though they do make things interesting.  Think of it as being something like the Cardinals game from last year where they easily could have won despite their poor play, yet ended up with the loss.

On paper: Advantage Lions (barely)

Prediction: The Texans make it two straight losses for the Lions in a close win after leading big early on.

October 26 - vs. Washington Redskins

As much as I'd like to say this is Detroit's chance for vengeance after being beat 34-3 a year ago against the 'Skins, I can't say that at all.  Washington is clearly the better team in this game and the final score will reflect that.

The Redskins' offense had their way with Detroit's defense a year ago and it could be even worse this time around.  Jason Campbell has more experience under his belt and now has a few extra happens thanks to the draft.  On top of that, Clinton Portis, if healthy, is a great running back that can rack up a few TDs with ease.

On paper: Advantage Redskins

Prediction: Washington wins this one easily, leaving Lions fans confused as their team has now fallen to 4-3 after a perfect start.  If the collapse comes this early in the year leaving time to pick up the pieces, I'll be happy.  Although the schedule doesn't get much easier, Detroit plays at home three times in November, which should give the Lions a small kick in the rear to get things going again.

Recap: I have the Lions going 1-3 in October.  Best-case scenario in my opinion is really only 2-2 as none of these games will be easy.  Worst-case, well, let's not even go there as 0-4 probably could happen as well.

Leave your thoughts in the comments and leave your vote in the poll below.

Over the next week or so I will preview the Lions' entire 2008 schedule.  Below is the first part of this series, which previews the month of September.

September 7 - at Atlanta Falcons

Out of all the times to play the Falcons, the first game of the season certainly is the best.  Atlanta's QB situation should be interesting to watch as rookie Matt Ryan likely will be the starter.  With no regular season snaps under his belt coming into this game, that lack of experience hopefully will give Detroit an advantage.

Outside of the QB position, the Falcons just aren't a very good team.  They had one of the worst records in the NFL last season, and although they should be better in 2008, early on they are expected to struggle, at least by me anyways.

On paper: Advantage Lions

Prediction: It would take an awful game for Detroit to come out on the losing end.  I'm not saying that's not possible as it is the Lions we're talking about, but Atlanta's lack of experience at quarterback should be enough for Detroit to start the season 1-0.

September 14 - vs. Green Bay Packers

Similar to the Falcons, the Packers' quarterback situation will be interesting to watch.  With Brett Favre now retired, Aaron Rodgers will finally get his chance to step in as the starting QB.  He did look good when he filled in for an injured Favre for part of the Cowboys game last season, but being the starting QB is a completely different thing then playing part of a game.

Even with a lack of experience at QB, the Packers are still a very good team.  After all, they did make it to the NFC Championship Game last season, and if it weren't for a careless interception in overtime by Favre, who knows what would have happened in that game. 

Green Bay's strength is without a doubt their defense.  Aaron Rodgers will have to play well for them to win, but it is the defense that should carry this team.  For that reason, I have to give the Packers a very slim advantage on paper.  That doesn't mean I think they will win the game, though.

On paper: Advantage Packers

Prediction: I have a feeling the Lions will come away with a close victory in this game.  Despite having a better defense, the Packers do have an inexperienced Aaron Rodgers at QB.  If he plays a great game then GB wins, but in only the second game of the season, I don't see that happening.  For that reason, I predict the Lions will start off the year 2-0.

September 21 - at San Francisco 49ers

The Lions wrap up the month of September (they have a bye on the 28th) by heading out west to play the 49ers.  The storyline surrounding this game likely will be Mike Martz facing his former team for the first time, and I'm sure Martz will contribute to it with some outrageous comment.  He has been bashing the Lions ever since taking the offensive coordinator job with the 49ers, so this is the Lions' chance for some revenge.

Although SF doesn't have an inexperienced quarterback, their offense will be in only its third regular season game under Martz's complicated new system.  They should have it down for the most part by then, but I imagine there still will be some kinks to work out.

Defensively, I already am envisioning 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis having a big game.  He is a beast and will thrive against a weak Lions offensive line.  Jon Kitna will need to keep his eyes peeled for Willis.  Then again, it won't be hard to do that when he is bringing you to the ground over and over.

On paper: Advantage Lions (Willis can only do so much)

Prediction: I don't know if this is the Kool-Aid talking or what, but believe it or not, I have the Lions starting off the season 3-0.  Out of the first three games this one worries me the most as being a possible letdown, but the 49ers aren't very good.  Look for a low-scoring affair hopefully resulting in a Lions victory.  This is one of those games where Jason Hanson will be a busy man, and in a battle of kickers he will lead Detroit to victory.

Recap: As I said, I have the Lions starting the year 3-0.  If they want any shot at making the playoffs, a 3-0 start will almost have to happen as the rest of the schedule is brutal.  The worst-case scenario for September is 1-2 in my opinion as there is no way the Lions should start out their first month without a victory.  At the same time, the best-case scenario is what I laid out to you as 3-0 is definitely a realistic possibility.

Any thoughts on what Detroit will do in September?  Leave a comment with your own prediction.

Lions quarterback Jon Kitna made headlines last year for making comments that were perceived as him predicting a 10-win season for Detroit.  The comments drew criticism from many and were publicized in a way that made Kitna sound crazy.  After the first half of the season, it looked like a ton of people would have to eat crow as the Lions started 6-2, making a 10-win season a realistic possibility.  However, the second half of the year proved to be a reality check as the Lions wound up finishing 7-9, 3 wins short of Kitna's so-called prediction.

A year later, Jon Kitna is still talking 10 wins for the Lions, but he is doing it in a way that is far from a prediction.  Already I've read that Kitna is "at it again" after saying something about winning 10 games for the second straight year, but he is doing it in a way that doesn't sound anything like a prediction.

"Our expectation is, we will be disappointed if we don't win 10 games because that will mean we are not in the playoffs," Kitna said. "I can't make it any simpler than that. Anybody who says that's not their expectation level is unfortunately not very much of a competitor."

All Kitna is saying is that the Lions will not be happy with anything less than making the playoffs, and that usually requires a team to win at least 10 games, although in the NFC 9 or even 8 could be sufficient.  Anybody that tries to play this off as a prediction needs to read what he said over a few times before trying to spin this into something it isn't. (I'm looking at you, Detroit News headline writers)

Aside from talking about hopes for the 2008 season, Jon Kitna also discussed the competition, or lack thereof, for the role of starting quarterback.  Rod Marinelli has said that there will be a competition for the starting job this year, although Kitna isn't really worried.

"I don't [expect to be challenged]. I think I'm pretty well established as the leader of this football team and the quarterback. (Head coach) Rod (Marinelli) has never wavered from that. I don't expect that to be any different this year and I'm pretty excited about where we're going as a football team.

"There's never been any intimation to me that anything's going to be different.''

As much as the coaches want to say that a competition will be going on during training camp to find this team's starting QB, there is no one on the roster better than Kitna.  That may not be saying a whole lot, but don't try to tell me that Dan Orlovsky or Drew Stanton would be a better starter at this point.  I'm not saying that Kitna will be the starter all season long as Stanton could see playing time should the losses start piling up, but as of right now, Kitna is the starting signal-caller.

Adding one more thing to the talk of a QB competition, Kitna did make a pretty funny joke when talking about Lions center Dominic Raiola.

"When (center) Dominic Raiola is in the game, I'll be in the game. That's how I know when I'm up,'' Kitna said. "When I see No. 51 go in, that's when I go. Nobody gets to touch his butt but me - and his wife.''

The phrase "too much information" applies here as I don't exactly need to hear about who is and who isn't touching Raiola's butt, although that was a humorous thing to say.