The annual tradition of the Detroit Lions playing on Thanksgiving is beginning to take on a new meaning... losing. For the third straight year, Detroit lost on national television and did it in an embarrassing manner. This game against the Dolphins today had even more meaning however. Joey Harrington made his first return back to the Motor City after being traded, which ended four long years of dismay. As it turns out, Harrington is finally becoming a good player now that he has left Detroit, and upon his return, he would be looking to get his first win on Thanksgiving.
Joey Harrington has never played well on Thanksgiving. His 1-3 record on Turkey Day accompanies the stat of 0 touchdowns. Coming back to have another chance to play on the holiday, Harrington would change his fortunes. The former Lions QB threw for 3 touchdowns today and led Miami to a 27-10 win, making it four straight for the Dolphins.
The start to this game actually looked promising. Detroit came right out of the gate firing with a spectacular drive. Jon Kitna was playing perfect football and ended up leading a drive that ended with a 2 yard TD pass to Dan Campbell to put Detroit ahead 7-0. Jason Hanson then added a 52 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Lions.
This is when the good ended and Miami took over. Joey Harrington completed a few big passes to set up an 8 yard TD reception for Marty Booker, and the Dolphins were on the board. That was Harrington's first career touchdown on Thanksgiving, and it certainly wouldn't be his last.
The Dolphins and Lions both didn't do much for most of the first half after this point in the game until late in the second quarter when Joey Harrington got the 'Phins another score. Harrington completed a 5 yard pass to Randy McMichael for the touchdown, giving Miami a 14-10 lead at the half. Detroit was lucky to escape that close as Harrington threw an interception as time was ticking out on the goal line.
In the second half, Miami would pull away quickly and put any chances of the Lions winning to rest. Olindo Mare first kicked a 42 yard field goal to put Miami up 17-10, and then Joey Harrington got another TD pass when he found Marty Booker again, this time from 19 yards out. Olindo Mare would add another field goal in the fourth quarter, and that would give Miami a 27-10 lead, which is what the final score would be.
You've seen it happen before, but this game was even more embarrassing than usual because Joey Harrington came back and torched the Lions secondary. It's beginning to feel like rock bottom here in Detroit. The Lions have lost three straight after an impressive win over Atlanta, and now seem to be playing worse as the weeks pass. The only upside to this is that maybe the Ford family will start taking notice of how bad this has all gotten. Firing Matt Millen may not make a difference immediately, but maybe a change can boost the morale. I don't know anymore. Three games I thought Detroit could've easily won have turned into three losses, leaving us with a 2-9 record.
Detroit now gets 10 days to prepare for a trip to New England when they will battle the Patriots. I'll say it right now, the Lions do not stand a chance. I don't care about how much time Detroit has to prepare, it won't make a difference. Heck, the Lions will be lucky to win another game this season.
Anyways, I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving aside from the Lions debacle. Check back here on Monday for a more deeper analyzation of this mess that we call the Lions.