Favre: “I’m in it for the right reasons”

In classic Brett Favre-fashion, a press conference originally scheduled for 6:00pm EST didn’t begin until nearly a quarter-till seven. The delay for the start is not known, but it did enhance the anticipation for Favre to discuss the reasoning behind his decision to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.

Between helicopters flying over the Vikings practice facility this morning and traffic being stalled as fans flooded the area, it was certainly a wild day in St. Paul for everyone involved. Favre, who had just finished his first practice, seemed genuinely excited to be a member of the Vikings. “I’m in it for the right reasons,” he said.

Favre admitted that it was a long process to get to this point, and much of it was due to his surgically repaired biceps tendon. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews — one of the most respected  surgeons in the country — sometime between May and June. From there, Favre went through a rehabilitation period in order to see if his arm was healed enough to play football. “For me, I had to be reassured from Dr. Andrews and the doctors here as well that this [the injury] wouldn’t be an issue,” Favre said.

There has certainly been concern about Favre’s arm and whether it will be able to withstand a 16-game NFL season. Favre, for his part, sounded adamant that his arm would be fine. “My arm has felt pretty good – good enough for me to feel confident in making the throws I need to make.”

Last season, Favre and the New York Jets started the season with a record of 8-3 and appeared to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders, especially after two stirring road victories over the New England Patriots and Tennesee Titans. The wheels came after late in the season, as Favre struggled to make the necessary throws and ultimately cost the Jets a playoff spot. Favre admitted that he can no longer make the throws that made him so great earlier in his career. “I don’t think I’m capable of doing some of the plays I used to make. I understand my limitations and how it pertains to what we’re trying to do,” he said.

The Jets had an extremely talented roster, but it wasn’t as good as what the Vikings have put together for 2009. Minnesota was arguably the best team in the NFC North before Favre’s arrival, but expectations have now been raised enormously. Favre himself has high expectations for the upcoming season. “My expectations are high. This team is a good football team. I didn’t come here to lose. I think we can be as good as we want to be.”

Speaking of the NFC North, Favre will now get to play two games against his former team, the Green Bay Packers. Many have speculated that Favre is simply coming out of retirement to defeat the Packers, but he denies anything to that effect. “This is not about revenge, believe me. They’ve moved on, I’ve moved on.”

“If you’re coming back for those two games, it’ll be a long year,” Favre said. “If it was about revenge, I would have signed on the dotted line the first day.”

Favre is right in that he can’t spend the whole season thinking about the Packers. While that seemed to play somewhat of a role in his return to the NFL, it wouldn’t be fair to the Vikings for Favre to think about nothing but playing Green Bay when their are 14 other games on the schedule.

With expectations so high for the team, preparation will be key in the coming weeks. Favre will have a lot of work to get done before the start of the regular season, but working to his advantage is the fact that Minnesota runs a similar offense to what he ran in Green Bay. “The system is what I’m used to — calling the plays was easy.”

Seeing Favre run onto the field at Lambeau Field in a Vikings uniform will be strange, to say the least. “16 years playing in Green Bay were great years and that was home to me,” said Favre.

The legacy of Favre as a Packer may be tainted because of his decision to play for the hated Vikings, and it may not be. Only time will tell, but no matter what happens this upcoming season, Favre’s No.4 jersey will be retired by the Packers at some point. Favre believes his legacy will be defined be what he thinks of it, not what others think. ”First of all, when people start talking about my legacy, it’s mine, he said. “It’s what I think of it. I know the way I played the game. I know the way I handled myself as a teammate and leader, in the public.

That is the future. The present is what Favre and the Vikings are solely focused on. Favre will need as many reps as possible with the first-team before the regular season. The Vikings still have three preseason games remaining, and that is where the process of developing chemistry will take place. Though Favre hasn’t had much time to get a feel for how his teammates play football, he may start on Friday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. “Obviously I’m behind the 8- ball a little bit,” Favre said. “I don’t think it’s smart to go out and play a whole half. As much as I’ve played my career, there’s a difference year to year.”

While he may or not play on Friday night, he can already start to help the Vikings in different ways. Favre said he spoke with the team’s other quarterbacks — Sage Rosenfels, Tarvaris Jackson and John David Booty — and said he would offer his help if any of the three had questions. Favre’s veteran presence can certainly help the development of the Jackson and Booty, who are still in the elementary stages of their careers.

His leadership is another aspect where he can help the Vikings. “I felt like all along I could offer some experience and leadership,” he said.

Leadership is something that a quarterback should always have, but first Favre must gain the trust of his teammates.. “Even though I’ve played a long time, you still have to earn the respect of this team,” Favre said.

Favre makes his regular season debut on September 13, when the Vikings travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns.

Brett Favre Is Back…. Are You At All Suprised?

It’s official. Brett Favre is now a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

Rumors ran wild this morning of Favre and his wife boarding a private plane that was heading for St. Paul, and the situation escalated from there. Vikings head coach Brad Childress confirmed earlier today that the Vikings will sign Favre, and No.4 arrived in St. Paularound 1:00pm EST.

The contract is reportedly a 2-year deal worth $10-12 million for the first season. The second year of the deal is likely there for salary cap reasons rather than it being a commitment from Favre that he will also play in 2010. Prior to the signing of Favre, Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson were engaged in a competition to see who would earn the right to become the Vikings starting quarterback. R0senfels looked to have the best shot at becoming a starter, especially after completing 10-of-13 passes for 93 yards in the team’s first preseason game, against the Indianapolis Colts. With Favre’s arrival, Rosenfels likely will become the No.2 quarterback, withJackson as the No.3.

The Vikings had been courting Favre for weeks, only to find out that he was going to stay retired. But now that he has decided to return, it’s entirely possible that the Vikings had a deal “under the table” with Favre so that he could become a member of the team after training camp. After all, Favre has never displayed a love for camp. Now that the Vikings have broken camp and the preseason is underway, Favre is now a member of the team.

According to ESPN’s Cris Carter, Favre will start for the Vikings on Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The game will be played inMinnesota, where the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome is sure to be filled with loads of anticipation. The Vikings have one of the best rosters in all of football, but the quarterback was always a question mark. That question has now been answered, as Favre is expected to produce big time for the Vikings. Minnesota runs the West Coast offense, a system Favre thrived in while playing with the Green Bay Packers.

Much of the reason Favre is returning to the NFL likely has to do with getting revenge on the Packers, who didn’t want Favre to return to the team in the summer of 2008 after Favre had first retired. He ultimately was traded to the New York Jets, where the team failed to make the playoffs. Reports emerged after Favre retired again that he never established a chemistry with teammates and separated himself from the group. There likely won’t be any problems in Minnesota, however, because the Vikings players apparently had been begging Favre to come and play for the team.

Since the learning curve for Favre in Minnesota doesn’t appear to be great, the biggest obstacle will be quickly establishing chemistry with teammates. That effort is already underway, as Favre has stepped onto the practice field with the Vikings.

While questions still remain about Favre’s health, it is hard to imagine he would return unless he was fully healthy. ESPN’s Ed Werder reported earlier today that Favre has a torn rotator cuff and the Vikings are aware of the injury, but it appears to be only a minor injury.

Should Favre stay healthy, one reason the signing could pay dividends is the fact that he won’t have to carry the load for the Vikings offense. Running back Adrian Peterson is arguably the best in the league at his position, and the bulk  of the offense will center around him. Favre will also have a talented group of skills players to work with besides Peterson, including receivers Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin, as well as tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.

Minnesota was already a favorite to win the NFC North, and those odds have increased with the addition of Favre. Conveniently for Favre, the Vikings toughest divisional opponent will be the Packers. Both of those games will be appointment viewing, especially when Favre and the Vikings travel to Lambeau Field in Week 8, a game that will take place November 1. The kind of reception Favre receives will be fascinating to watch. When Favre was traded to Jets last summer, some Packers fans bought Favre’s Jets jersey to show their love. But the fact that he is now a member of one of the Packers’ rivals undoubtedly changes everything. Scouring Packers blogs on the internet, there is a portion of fans who will always love No.4 because of how much he meant to Green Bay. There are also those who believe he has now tarnished his legacy as a Packer.

The Vikings first game against the Packers come at Week 5, a Monday Night Football game on October 5. Tickets for that game will be at a premium. On StubHub.com, the cheapest ticket available is currently $179, which is well above face value.

A press conference announcing the move is scheduled for 6:00pm EST. I’ll be posting some comments from Favre afterwards.

Press Coverage: 8/17/09

As the NFL’s regular season approaches, more and more stories emerge every day. Whether it be about a quarterback controversy, a team’s chances to succeed or a potential problems down the road, there is seemingly always something to talk about when it comes to the NFL. Twice a week, this post will look at the three biggest headlines of the day. I’ll give some background on the story and also provide my opinion. Here we go for August 17:

1. Donovan McNabb addressed the Philadelphia media today after practice, and discussed candidly the signing of quarterback Michael Vick. McNabb had lots to say on the subject, the most interesting of which is that he first broached the subject of the Eagles signing Vick in July. There had been some reports in the days after Vick was signed that McNabb was not happy with the move and felt threatened by Vick’s presence. McNabb seemed to debunk those rumors today:

“I’ve been through many situations here throughout my career when they’ve cheered for the backup,” McNabb said. “It happened with Garcia. It happened with (Kevin) Kolb. It happened with A.J. (Feeley). I’m used to that.”

McNabb certainly has been through a lot during his career in Philly. Fans have never seemed to appreciate all he has accomplished, and the presence of Vick won’t provide a dynamic that he hasn’t experienced before.

For the most part, McNabb was focused more on Vick’s personal well-being than what he can contribute to the Eagles on the football field. “I believe in second chances and I have strong faith in God that he forgives our sins,” said McNabb, a dog lover who owns two American bulldogs and a Belgian Malinois. “Yes, it was a bad thing and a malicious act, but somewhere in your heart, you have to have forgiveness.”

“I kind of can be a mentor to him, give him an opportunity to get his feet under him, get his life together,” McNabb said.

From a football perspective, how Vick is used will be interesting to watch. Since McNabb is entrenched as the team’s starting quarterback, Vick likely will be used in a wildcat role. Vick is one of the best athletes to have ever put on a football jersey, and even though he has missed two seasons, he still should have the ability to be a threat in certain situations.

2. Is Brett Fave coming back? Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com seems to think so. Glazer spoke with several unnamed Vikings players, one of whom thinks that the deal is “already done.”

When Favre told the Vikings a few weeks ago that he was staying retired, many believed him. He told ESPN that he couldn’t handle the mental and physical grind of an entire season, and people believed him. Favre has fooled fans before, and now he could be making yet another return to the league. It’s not a surprising development considering the Vikings still need a quarterback that can take them to the next level. In Friday’s preseason game against the Colts, Sage Rosenfels got the start and went 10-of-13 for 91 yards. Yes, he was accurate, but he couldn’t convert on the deep plays that change the momentum in football games. Favre can do that, which is why the Vikings still want him.

Even though Favre has missed vital training camp time, it’s not like he needs to learn a new offense. The Vikings run a similar offense to the one Favre ran for the bulk of his career in Green Bay, so there wouldn’t be a steep learning curve. The main thing that hurt Favre when he came to the Jets last year was that he didn’t know the offense. That won’t be a problem in Minnesota.

While the Vikings have been chastised in some ways for their continued pursuit of Favre, you can’t blame Brad Childress for trying to make the team better. After all, aren’t coaches supposed to do all in their power to improve their football team? If Childress feels this is the move that will take the Vikings deep in the playoffs, he should do it.

Hopefully, Favre will address his intentions shortly. If he plans on playing for the Vikings this season, it would be best for him to let everyone know, because I don’t know if I can take much more of the Favre drama.

3. According to FanHouse.com, Tom Cable punched an assistant on August 5. Randy Hanson, a defensive coach for the Raiders, was the man on the receiving end of the punch. Hanson reportedly didn’t see the punch coming, as he was in engaged in a conversation with defensive coordinator John Marshall when it occurred. The National Football Post first had the report, but did not name the coach who punched Hanson.

Hanson had to go to the hospital because his jaw was injured, and a police report was subsequently filed. Hanson refused to name the man who punched him, but FanHouse’s sources say that Cable was the man who delivered the blow.

The circumstances behind the punch are not yet known, but Cable could be facing criminal charges if Hanson tells the truth to police. Whether he does is in doubt, because he may fear that his job will be in jeopardy if he gives Cable up.

If this report turns out to be accurate, Cable should face some sort of punishment from the league and/or the Raiders. Punching an assistant coach is out-of-line, to say the least, and Cable must be made an example of. While I don’t think he should be suspended, I do think Cable should be fined for his actions.The Raiders almost have an obligation to punish Cable, because when a player punches a fellow player, a fine or suspension always seems to follow. Steve Smith of the Panthers punched teammate Ken Lucas during training camp last year, and Smith was subsequently suspended for the first two games of the season by the team. Coaches shouldn’t receive special treatment, and as a result Cable deserves to reprimanded for his conduct.

Quarterback Friday: Favre is gone?

Now, on the Wednesday Round-Up I said I was undecided as far as Quarterback Friday. And if you couldn’t tell by the title, I went with the retired one.

We all know the news by now, Favre is “staying retired”, believe it or not. I’m mad too, it’s much easier to write a story about a HOF QB coming out of retirement, than a guy that made no real move at all. Still, I’m not so sure th Fat Lady has sung just yet. The door is still open for a return.

To be honest, I’m surprised – I really saw Brett pulling another return. But hey, you don’t know till you know. Now I know, and I was wrong. I’m not the only one that made a wrong prediction. ESPN’s own John Clayton said he was go into return – and he said that about a month ago. Anyway, we can all make the wrong call.

Now I’m going to ask for an opinion. Does Favre going to the Jets change your opinion of him? What I’m asking is, does Brett pulling all these shenanigans change your view of him. Because before all this, if I heard Brett Favre I thought Packers. Now, I think of him as a decisive and somewhat annoying QB. I still see Packers at heart. But the stint as a Jet will taint that vision.

Anyway, that was today’s QB Friday. Comment, or don’t. Just hope you enjoyed it.

It’s Time For The Vikings To Move On

Brad Childress poked, prodded, and did everything he could to lure one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history to come and save the Minnesota Vikings season. Childress and the Vikings brass risked a whole lot with the pursuit, basically telling the Vikings current QBs — Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels — that the team felt it didn’t have enough at the position.

On Tuesday, things changed dramatically for the Vikings, as Brett Favre informed that the team that he would not be coming out of retirement to play in Minnesota. Siting health, both mental and physical, as the reason for his decision, it left many around the league stunned. Favre had surgery on his torn biceps months ago, which at the time seemed to be a clear indication that he was intending to come back. Why else would he want to have surgery? So that he could operate his tractor easier? Favre was also seen working out with local high school players in Hattiesburg. Again, did anyone believe he was throwing the football around for fun, or to test his arm? Even though he did all of this, he never officially told the Vikings he was going to come back. In fact, he reportedly told the Vikings a week ago he was not going to make a return, which subsequently resulted in a number of Vikings veterans placing phone calls to Favre, trying to convince him to return.

The Vikings put all the pressure in the world on Favre to make a return. The pursuit of Favre quickly began to feel like a something that was going to make or break the 2009 season for the Vikings, especially with the way players were talking about not just wanting Favre, but needing him.

Jackson and Rosenfels are question marks at the position. The team was good last season with Jackson at the helm, but he was arguably the sole reason that the Vikings were not able to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles at home in the NFC Wild Card Game. Jackson doesn’t have the arm strength of most No.1 QBs in the NFL, and he isn’t exceptionally accurate. Rosenfels, meanwhile, was traded to Minnesota prior to the draft and had been a career backup in Houston. It’s easy to see why the prospects of going into the season with the Rosenfels and Jackson didn’t look appealing to anyone in the Minnesota front office. With either of the two, the team would be good. But with Favre, they had the potential to be great. He was, in the eyes of Childress, the missing piece to possibly the championship puzzle.

But Favre said no. After all the workouts and throwing sessions and all of the discussions with Childress and Vikings players, Favre decided to remain retired. Whether it truly was his health, or all of the pressure he was sure to face in Minnesota — that doesn’t matter anymore.  What does matter is the Vikings trying to win football games, and in order for that to happen like the fans, coaches and owner Zygi Wilf want it to happen, the Vikings must move on from Favre.

Remember, the Vikings are not a team that is simply trying to make the playoffs in 2009. They did that last season, and it ended with a disappointing loss to the Eagles. Moreover, they’re not looking for a division title — they also accomplished that feat last season. What they are looking for is a deep playoff run, culminating in a trip to Miami for the Super Bowl. Though Childress and the Vikings felt they needed Favre to have an opportunity to reach all of their goals, everything is still within their grasp.

Training camp will be very important for the Vikings and Childress, who must mend relationships with Jackson and Rosenfels. Both were under the assumption during minicamps and OTAs that they would be competing for the starting job come August — and they will be. But the pursuit of Favre likely ruffled a few feathers, especially Jackson, who likely feels that the team has little confidence in him. Rosenfels was signed for three years and $9 million, meaning he was brought in because the Vikings believed he had the chance to win the job. Both certainly have the right to be a little perturbed, but they don’t have the right to be downright furious. All Childress was doing was trying to improve the football team, and it’s hard to fault him for that. They have to put all of that behind them now, because the Vikings need one to step up and lead them to the promise land.

Looking at the Vikings roster, they have a great opportunity to make a run this season. For starters, the NFC is as wide open as ever. No team is the consensus favorite, and opinions vary greatly on which team has the best chance to be playing in Miami in February. Secondly, and most importantly, the Vikings have the best running back in the league, bar none, in Adrian Peterson. With him in the backfield, it’s hard to discount the Vikings chances. On offense, the Vikings added a playmaker in wide receiver Percy Harvin through the draft. Harvin skills are wide-ranging, and he should be counted on to be a heavy contributor as the season wears on. Also, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe is a rising star at the position, and his role in the offense should expand, no matter who is lining up under center.

Defensively, the Vikings have one of the best units in the league, led by defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams. Defensive end Jared Allen is excellent at getting to the passer, and the team’s secondary is solid. Though they lost longtime safety Darren Sharper, they recently locked up cornerback Antoine Winfield for five more seasons. Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is quickly making a name for himself, and he really has a chance to show what he can do this season.

The Vikings swung and missed on Favre, yes, but someone is still going to have to play quarterback. The position is going to have to improve for the team to succeed, there’s no doubt about that. Whoever wins the job will need to play exceptionally well to quiet the doubters, and there will be many of them.

With or without Brett Favre, the Vikings season is going to commence on September 13. It’s time for everyone in the organization to move on from No.4, and start the trek toward championship No. 1.

Wednesday Round-Up

Hello, and welcome to this weeks Wednesday Round-up. Today I’m going to hit you up on Drew Bennett, the Vikings, and a preview of Quarterback Friday.

DREW BENNETT

Only a few days after signing a contract with the Ravens – Bennett has retired. No, it’s not his age. It’s the ‘ole knees. He said they simply weren’t going to last a season. He the kind of guy who doesn’t finish something he can’t start.

A little fact, he and Derrick Mason were both former TN Titan Wideouts that went to the Ravens. And both retired this month.

THE VIKINGS

Yes, I’m talking Vikings this Wednesday. They have – for now – lost chances at Brett Favre. So now, they have to turn around to Jackson and say, “Hey, we trusted you this whole time. Just get this whole Favre thing.” Anyway, I think this is exactly the chip that Jackson needs on his shoulders. Also, I don’t want you to forget about Sage, the guy has some hidden talent. A great bench QB – that could have chances at a starting role.

QB FRIDAYS PREVIEW

I really wanted to go more in depth with Vick. But, Favre making his decision has really forced me to sway the original plan. But I’ll be sure to get into Vick another week. So, unless someone signs Vick – don’t count on it – I’ll be talking some Brett Favre on Friday.

This has been your Wensday Round-Up.

Finally, The Favre Saga Is Over (Maybe)

After months of reporters camping out in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, waiting for the latest news on a retired NFL quarterback looking to possibly return to the league — for the third time — the Brett Favre saga has ended, for now.

Earlier Tuesday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress had said that Favre would not be making a comeback. Favre later confirmed the news to ESPN.

Favre had set a self-imposed deadline for a decision on whether to return for July 30, which is when the Vikings open up training camp. If Favre were to be an affective QB for the Vikings, he would need to be in camp, interacting with his new teammates and building chemistry with his wide receivers. Though reports recently emerged that the Vikings had no deadline set for Favre, the fact that Favre followed through and came up with a decision before the start of camp was a nice gesture.

The pressure was mounting on Favre to come to a conclusion, as football fans had become sick of the story. Favre has been contemplating retirement for the last seven years now, and the back-and-forth that he has played with the media has worn on the emotions of not just fans directly effected by his decisions, but with fans everyone. When Favre conducted a teary-eyed press conference a few months after the Green Bay Packers heartbreaking loss to the New York Giants in the 2008 NFC Championship, the world assumed he was done for good. Just a few weeks later, however, Favre indicated that he was getting the itch to return to the game. When he decided that he wanted to return to Green Bay, the Packers had already moved on, giving the starting QB job to Aaron Rodgers. Drama ensued, with Favre reportedly wanting to play for the Vikings. The Packers would not let that happen since it was a division rival, and promptly traded him to the Jets.

The bright lights of New York never appeared to become comfortable for Favre, but he played well enough to get the Jets off to an 8-3 start. The Jets tailed off at the end of the season, however, with Favre being the key reason for the dropoff. Favre retired after the season, and once again it looked like his career was over.

Then, Favre was released from the Jets, giving him the ability to sign with any team in the league, should he so choose. The Vikings quickly became the first and only option, and months of posturing between the two sides followed. But the back-and-forth has now ended. Favre is finally done tormenting with the Vikings. His comments to ESPN show that this well-likely could be the end of a fascinating career.

“It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made,” Favre said. “I didn’t feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable. I would like to thank everyone, including the Packers, Jets and Vikings — but, most importantly, the fans.”

Even with those comments, this is Brett Favre we are talking about. He could once again get the itch to play in the NFL, and the back-and-forth could be back on. He told NFL Network’s Steve Mariucci that he will still throw and work out. This story may be over, and it may not be over. With Brett Favre, it’s hard to truly know.

Later, we’ll be diving further into Favre’s career and his place in NFL history, as well as where the Vikings go from here.

Ain’t Too Proud To Beg ……

Well the NFL training camps are almost upon us. And the expectations for some are higher than for others. In the case of the Detroit Lions , it’s all about redeeming themselves after last season’s disastrous escapade during the regular season.

Detroit Lions' head coach Jim Schwartz (center) alongside General Martin Mayhew (left) and Team President Tom Lewand (right). picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Carlos Osorio ...............

And after going (0-16) within the NFC North. One can allude to the fact that for the franchise now , the only way is up. And it has to be said that with the upheaval within the coaching regime, after the abrupt firing of Rod Marinelli . A fresh pair of eyes and mindset needs to be brought to the team. Newly established Head Coach , Jim Schwartz and General Manager Martin Mayhew have set about revamping the team’s roster and coaching staff.

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson seen here in full stride for the Lions. The players is viewed as the team's most ominous and potent offensive threat. And he's viewed as a great complement to the weapons that quarterback , Matthew Stafford will have in his arsenal. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Mike Schiff ......................

And in the draft they went about expeditiously and judiciously supplementing the roster with the players they best felt would be able to contribute and bring back the luster to the franchise. To state that the Lions’ franchise has been in the doldrums for the last decade. It’s not only stating the obvious but it also has signified almost how irrelevant the Lions had become in the NFL. Merely stating that on Thanksgiving Day , a Lions’ game was on television. It all but brought about tears to the most ardent of NFL fans. Especially those Lions’ fans who had to be subjected to their sheer ineptitude of their displays on the field.

Daunte Culpepper of the Detroit Lions. The veteran players is being viewed as Matthew Stafford's backup. However, there is the opinion that Culpepper will initially be the starter at the beginning of the regular season , in order that Stafford can get himself acclimatized. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Chris Nelson ..................

Why it is that the custom of having the Lions play a home game on Thanksgiving Day in-front of a network audience , has always been beyond my comprehension. Were it not for the fact that the hierarchy of the NFL still believes in customs , tradition and its importance to the game. I would’ve thought that they would’ve done away with the Lions being part of this customary scheduling. It’s bad enough having to digest the Thanksgiving Day turkey dinner and the numerous alcoholic beverages that one consumes on the day. Without then having to subject one’s self of the inane privilege of then having to watch the Lions play. I’m thick skinned but certainly not that much !

Mark Sanchez (left) and Matthew Stafford at the NFL Scouting combine. Both players were taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. Sanchez was taken by the New York Jets of the AFC East division. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Charles Mallet

In the always competitive NFC North the Lions will have to pick wits with the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers . And being welcomed into the fold of the division, will be Jay Cutler . Who’ll be the starting quarterback the Bears , having been traded to the team from the Denver Broncos . And it’s also envisioned that we’ll see the returning prodigal Brett Favre , who’ll be joining the Vikings. Once he’s made a final decision as to his status. Are we there yet, Brett ?

For the Detroit Lions the question one everyone’s lips is … how quickly will their number one draft pick, quarterback, Matthew Stafford acclimatize himself to the rigors and play of the National Football League ? Stafford, having been taken as the number one overall pick has the undue burden of expectation riding on his shoulders as to the fate of the franchise this upcoming season.

Defensively, last season we know that Lions were atrocious. And watching the team play , you’d have been under the impression that Schwartz’s predecessor Rod Marinelli knew nothing about the art of defense when it cames to the NFL . He cut his teeth in that bastion of defensive knowledge , under the tutelage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ , Monte Kiffin . Unfortunately, however , having the knowledge is one thing but to impart on players who can actually comprehend it is another. And such was the malais that the team found itself in.

On the offensive side of things, it certainly wasn’t that much better. And one of few bright spots on the team was their wide receiver Calvin Johnson . An athletic and gifted player, Johnson convinced many that he is the future of this franchise, given the right signal-caller to make the plays. And it’s viewed that whilst the veteran Daunte Culpepper is there to tutor the freshman , Stafford. It may well be Culpepper who’ll provide the initial plays at the start of the regular season . In order that Stafford can acclimatize himself to the nuances of the game. Though Schwartz hasn’t stated that the starting quarterback position is up for grabs. It could well be viewed that Culpepper is also being asked to audition for the position. Stafford for his part has let it be known that he’s ready , willing and able to lead this team with authority.

Lions' running back Kevin Smith evades the tackle of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Kevin Carter in a game played Ford Field , Detroit , Michigan. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Christian Petersen ........................

The Detroit Lions’ fans could be in for a treat this season. And if they’re able to get some semblance of teamwork and cohesion during training camp and the preseason schedule of games. Then there’s no reason to believe that they’re not going to be able to acquit themselves well, over the course of the regular season. But much of that’ll be predicated upon the mindset of this team and whether or not the message that Schwartz is imparting to the players will be acknowledged and acted upon.
If it is ,then so be it. If not, then the malaise of last season could well be revisited. And the Detroit Lions’ fans, I for one feel , will not at all be enamored with that particular scenario arising once again.

One can well remember the bravado and gumption of Matt Millen as the franchise’s GM prior to Martin Mayhew. His gusto in proclaiming that he was here to stay and to turn the franchise around . Well it was only matched by the sheer ineptitude shown under his auspices with regard to the personnel decisions made. It set back the franchise at least five years. But even more so, Millen wasn’t willing to accept that he’d failed the fans , the franchise and the Ford family as the owners of this once venerable franchise.
But then again the Ford family aren’t without blame , as they were naive enough to believe that Millen would be the ultimate savior of the franchise to begin with.

Matt Millen former GM of the Detroit Lions and then owner William Clay Ford Sr. Under Millen' reign the team posted an abysmal 31-84 record during his 8 year tenure as the team's GM. He would be fired by the Ford family at the culimation of a horrendous 2008 season where the team went 0-16 during regular NFL 16 game schedule . A first for the NFL under its present schedule. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Paul Stanton ............................

We’ve seen how the Fords have handled the family business . And it has to be said that the misfortunes there, seemed to found their way within the Detroit Lions’ franchise. Naivete’ and audacity is one thing but how can one explain their sheer stupidity to begin with ? The credentials that Millen brought to the table, was nothing more than being a passable NFL player in his pime and an above average analyst on television. Beyond that there just wasn’t much there to begin with !