Apr

9

Detroit Lions must Win in 2008 for Marinelli

Posted by Mack

April 9, 2008 |

  • If the Detroit Lions don’t Win in 2008 will Marinelli take the Fall?

Your ‘Lion Eyes’ blogger has seen some examples recently of the Lions putting all of their hopes squarely on the shoulders of Head Coach Rod Marinelli. Too me it seems that GM Matt Millen is just taking a step back in the Player Personnel decisions and leaving everything up to Rod. Given Millen’s lack of success, as discussed in this post, in the NFL Draft since he arrived in 2001 this probably is a good thing. But, it seems that all the words I see lately just indicate that if the Lions don’t win, it will be all Marinelli’s fault. It is well known that any players acquired by the Lions in the draft, through Free Agency or via the trade route are to fit into what Marinelli wants.

You know, those that have that ‘Football Character’ and football is the most important thing in their life. Here is what Millen said in a story last week:

“Regardless of who we take, who’s out there playing the main piece of this thing is still Rod,” Millen said Monday. “And it has to be. It has to be like that across the league.

“That’s your guy. He’s the face of your football team. He’s the guy who dictates how that team is supposed to be. I happen to agree with that approach. That’s the right way to do it.” “He’ll work you to death,” Millen said. “He wants a team that works. He’ll study you to death. He wants a team that studies. Is he the best coach in the NFL? I don’t know how you measure that, but if he’s not, he’s always working through that.

“All we’re asking them to be is a reflection of him and what he espouses. I think that’s good enough to win. If we do that, get players that play — players to play like Rod coaches — we’ll be successful.”

Source: Detroit News story by Mike O’Hara

Here is what Lions Vice Chairman Bill Ford Jr. said about Marinelli and the culture Rod is trying to develop with the Lions:

“Rod’s having a lot more input this year in the process than he did the prior years,” Ford Jr. said. “I think one of the reasons he hired Rod is Rod’s philosophy is something that appeals to him. I think Rod has really put his stamp on the organization in terms of the process and football character he’s looking for.

“I think our scouts have a much clearer idea now of what they’re looking for. I think last year, they started to get it. Rod spent a lot of time with Scott McEwen (the director of college scouting) and the scouts, as have his coaches, delineating the football skills and the character that he expects and wants. I think it makes the scouts’ job a lot easier.”

Source: Detroit News story by Mike O’Hara

Just a few days ago I saw an ESPN report by John Clayton that Marinelli is one of the NFL coaches on the hot seat going into the 2008 season.

To me it leaves very little doubt that if the Lions start out 3-8 this year and and get hammered on Thanksgiving during the Nationally Televised game, that Marinelli will be this year’s scape goat. Especially when as expected the Lions do not sell out every home game for the first time at Ford Field.

Please make your choice for the Lions biggest need in the Draft.

What Position Should the Lions Draft with the #1 Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft?

  • Offensive Line (34%, 308 Votes)
  • Running Back (22%, 200 Votes)
  • Defensive Back (22%, 199 Votes)
  • Linebacker (12%, 107 Votes)
  • Defensive Line (11%, 97 Votes)

Total Voters: 911

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