Ol' Rod is a terrific football man who has worked well in the trenches with his "Men" on the defensive line. He is the classic prototype football coach who eats-breathes-lives football 24/7. He is also loyal and possesses a terrific work ethic and unquestioned integrity. If I were a head football coach, I would want Rod Marinelli on my staff.

HOWEVER (yes, I know, this is my 2nd HOWEVER!), there is a substantial difference between being a football grunt (assistant coach) in the trenches and being a head coach. The football grunt spends all of his time coaching, teaching, and improving a selected portion of the overall program, while the head coach does not spend a lot of time with individual units. Rather, the head coach, while globally responsible for the whole operation, has to delegate to handpicked assistants who are then responsible for the grunt work.

The skills of an assistant coach and a head coach are substantially different. An assistant coach needs coaching, teaching, and football skills, while the head coach needs more people skills, political skills, organizational skills, and the ability to lead the entire organization and not just a few "Men".

Rod, while succeeding in the trenches as an assistant coach, has failed miserably as a head coach for the following reasons:

1) Poor selection of assistant coaches. When you choose your own son-in-law and a guy who likes to be without clothes when going through the drive-thru at Wendy's (By the way, this "Wendy's" issue is not funny - but it is a character flaw that one cannot have in a people business), your judgment on selecting assistant coaches is greatly questioned. Also, we can't hold Rod responsible for the selection of Martz (Millen brought in Martz), but Rod's replacement for Martz, Jim Coletto, has failed as an offensive coordinator (do you remember when Jon Kitna yelled at Coletto on the sidelines during a game?).

2) Inability to move from assistant coach in the trenches to the man in charge of global operations. This happens all of the time in sports, business, and life in general (check out the Peter Principle). The skills that made him a terrific defensive coach are completely different from the skills that are needed to be a successful head coach. Rod does not have the necessary skills, doesn't realize that the skill set is different, or was unable to grasp that he is actually in charge of EVERYTHING and that nobody is supposed to blink until they get permission from him.

Can Rod develop into a successful head coach? I would say no, simply because his mindset is too ingrained in the trenches concept with his "Men". There is no shame in being a terrific assistant coach and not being a good head coach. It happens all of the time to folks around the world in all areas of life.

So, in conclusion, is Rod Marinelli a terrific assistant coach? YES he is and I would want him on my staff if I were a head coach. Is Rod Marinelli a terrific head coach? NO, he is not, as he has not developed, or does not possess, the necessary skills to move from "in the trenches" to manager of the overall operation.

     As an ardent and fervent fan and supporter of the Detroit Lions (I haven't missed a game in-person, on the radio, or on TV in over 40 years!) I am often the only person in the room who believes that the Lions will win every single game. Of course, I've often been the only person who was later proven to be incredibly incorrect!! But, my hope and support for my beloved Lions continues to be strong! After all, there is always tomorrow!!

     But, how about today? Can the Lions win against the Titans in the annual Detroit Thanksgiving Classic? Normally, my answer would be a resounding "YES". Unfortunately, even I have to admit that the short and long answer to today's question is a resounding "NO"!!

    The Lions, who are, and will continue to be, suffering from the terrible blunders of Matt Millen and the Ford family, are years away from being contenders. Our best hope for the immediate future is the realization that they might sneak up on a few teams from time-to-time. However, the "sneaking" approach will not come to fruition on Thanksgiving!

    The Lions only have a handful of solid NFL-caliber horses, including Calvin Johnson, Daunte Culpepper, Jordon Dizon, Mike Furrey, Jason Hanson, Nick Harris, Dominic Raiola, Ernie Sims, Kevin Smith, Jon Kitna, Jared DeVries, and ..... well, that's about it!! However, many of these horses are injured and will not play, while others are listed as "Probable".

    The Titans have a few injured players, including Kyle Vanden Bosch, Nick Harper, Chris Carr, Michael Roos, Brandon Jones, and Jason Jones, but many of these guys will play anyway. Irrespective of the injuries, the Titans have a stable of suitable replacements with a system that is often able to override deficiencies in personnel.

    The Titans are 10-1 (and probably still ticked off about last week's loss to the Jets!) and on their way to the playoffs and, perhaps, the Super Bowl. The Lions are an astounding 0-11 with a coaching staff that will not be here next year, many players who will not be here next year, only a few horses in the stable, but on their way to a Bowl, as well. However, the Bowl to which they are headed can be found in bathrooms all over the country!

     No, although I'm a huge Lions' fan, although the Lions have often performed well in nationally televised games, and although I always believe that the Lions will pull one out, even I have to admit that there is no way for the Lions to win the Thanksgiving Classic, other than instructing airport personnel to divert the Titans' airplane to Beijing!

     But, I'll watch the whole game while wearing my Lions' jersey and hat while sipping on a few Cokes,  ....... right up until the bitter end - and, yes, it will be quite bitter! GO LIONS!!

On the Vikings game winning drive, they faced a second and twenty and went deep down the right sideline.  Cornerback Leigh Bodden was flagged for pass interference on the play.  Where the pass interference was .... I have no idea.  The result of the crappy call was a 42 yard gain for the Vikings.  Instead of third and twenty, Minnesota had it first and ten at the Lions 26.  Somehow the zebras felt that was pass interference, but kept their flags in their pockets earlier in the game when Calvin Johnson was knocked off his feet going after a pass near the goal line.  They must have felt the ball was uncatchable, although IMO the 6' 5" Johnson could have made a play on it if he wasn't knocked to the ground.

The Lions got robbed again on a horrible call that resulted in a turnover for Minnesota.  On the first play following a Bodden fumble recovery in the fourth quarter, Lions QB Dan Orlovsky hit WR Calvin Johnson on a deep pass down the middle into Vikings territory.  Johnson got hammered, a helmet to helmet hit, hit the ground and was stripped of the football.  The ruling on the field was a fumble, which was upheld when the Lions challenged.  Supposedly there wasn't enough video evidence to overturn the call ... even-though Johnson was lying on the ground when the ball came loose.  It was a horrible, horrible call.  The hit knocked Johnson out for the remainder of the game.

For the first time all season, the Lions defense got the job done.  They had five sacks on the day, got their first interception, and recovered two fumbles.  They did make mistakes, notably blowing coverage and missing tackles on the Vikings lone touchdown, an 86 yard catch and run by Bernard Berrian.  They kept the running game in check and did a very good job containing the pass, with the exception of the lone touchdown.  The field goal unit blocked a fourth quarter attempt to keep the Lions ahead.

Lions QB Dan Orlovsky got his first career start in a hostile environment.  He made one of the most bonehead plays you will ever see.  Facing a third and ten from his one yard line, Orlovsky apparently forgot that the end zone was only 10 yards deep.  He went back to pass and ran out of the back of the end zone for a safety.  Orlovsky finished the day 12 for 21, 150 yards and a touchdown.  He was sacked six times.

All in all, Detroit only managed to gain 212 yard of total offense on the day.  They looked good at times, terrible at others.  The running game did a decent job against the Vikings stout run defense, picking up 100 yards on the day.  Regardless of the horrible officiating, any sort of production from the offense, and the team has it's first victory.  Obviously Orlovsky's boneheaded safety, the margin of defeat, was a key blunder.

So the Lions remain winless but at least fans got to see a stout defensive performance.  Unfortunately fans also saw a lackluster offense performance.  Next up for the 0-5 Lions is a road game against the Texans. 

Kitna reportedly injured his back during the first half against Chicago.  He was pulled at halftime and didn't practice all week.  Kitna visited a back specialist and it is anyone's guess what happened while he was there.  He refused to talk to the media about the injury.  He said he wouldn't be able to answer any questions truthfully.  Who knows what that means?  Is he healthy enough to play and getting benched anyway?

At any rate, it is good to see Orlovsky get his first start.  The advantages Kitna has in experience are offset by his lack of arm strength, his tendency to hold on to the ball to long, and his lack of pocket presence.  It was time for Kitna to sit, even if he was healthy enough to play.  Time to see if Orlovsky and Drew Stanton are capable of playing in the NFL.

Orlovsky has been riding the pine, developing, in Detroit since he was drafted in the fifth round in 2005.  The second half of last week's loss was the first extended action he has had as a Lion.  He got banged up against the Bears and will be battling a sore ankle and knee as he makes his first start.  Last year's second round pick, Drew Stanton, will be the back up.

It won't be an easy task for Orlovsky as he tries to lead the Lions to their first win.  It is time that he gets his chance as a starter.  He has a much stronger arm than Kitna which will open up the field.  He has had plenty of time to learn the game from the sidelines.  Finally he will get a chance to show he belongs on the field. 

After the firing of Matt Millen and having the bye week to prepare, you would think the Lions would have come out firing on all cylinders.  If you thought that you were wrong.  Detroit racked up six yards of total offense in the first quarter.  They rallied in the second quarter to gain 66 yards.  That's right ... 72 yards of offense in the first half.  Seven first half possessions, six punts, a fumble and 72 yards of total offense.  At least the defense showed up ... for the first quarter.

I was ready to give Marinelli credit for benching Kitna at the half.  Until I realized that he sat Kitna due to back spasms.  In my opinion, Kitna is done and it is time to see what Dan Orlovsky and Drew Stanton bring to the table.  He should not see the field again.  Granted, not all the problems on the offensive side of the ball are Kitna's fault.  The running game stinks and the receivers have forgotten how to catch the ball.  However, Kitna doesn't do anything to help.  While he is often under pressure, he has no pocket presence and he holds onto the ball way to long.  Time to look towards the future and see if Orlovsky or Stanton can get the job done.  Orlovsky played the second half against the Bears.

The team is in disarray and it is time to get the rookies and young players on the field.  They can't do worse than the vets that Marinelli keeps sticking with in hopes of righting the sinking ship.  While Marinelli feels much of the youth on the defensive side of the ball isn't ready yet, we will never know until they hit the field.  So far his veteran, experienced, defense is giving up 429 yards per game.  Next up for the Lions is a trip to Minnesota.

The impetus for the firing was Bill Ford Jr., essentially saying he would fire Millen if he could.  After years and years of pathetic performances with Millen in charge.  After three horrible games to start the 2008 season, Ford Jr. finally spoke up.  Then Ford Sr. fired Millen ... finally.  I just wish the old man would have done it after the 2007 season, or the 2006 season, or the 2005 season, or the 2004 season.  But hey, this is the owner who gave Millen a five year contract extension after he went 16-48 in his first four years.  Millen finished his career in Detroit with a record of 31-84.  A record of futility that will never be broken.  He got paid about $50 million for his efforts ... or lack thereof.

Firing Millen was a good thing ... a very good thing.  Unfortunately it won't do much to help the team in 2008.  Martin Mayhew and Tom Lewand will handle the football operations for the remainder of the season.  No doubt they will be working to convince Ford Sr. that they are the men that deserve the job after the season is over.  In spite of the fact that they worked hand in hand with Millen and do bear some responsibility for the current state of the team.  

The plan is to go through a comprehensive evaluation of the football operations at the end of the season.  Really?  I would imagine they do that after every season ... which over the last seven seasons led to the conclusion that Matt Millen should remain in charge.  At least they won't be able to reach that conclusion after this season.  Matt Millen has been fired.  Something that should have been done a long time ago.  Better late than never. 

It was a horrible performance across the board, especially on defense.  Falcons RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood ran at will.  Atlanta rushed for 318 yards on 42 carries for a whopping 7.6 yards/carry.  Obviously, the Lions could not stop the Falcons rushing attack.  Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan only needed to throw the ball 13 times on the day.  The pathetic defense managed one measly sack and wasn't able to force a turnover.

The offense didn't do very much but that is the least of the concerns.  I have seen many people pointing the finger at QB Jon Kitna.  Kitna didn't have the best of games and he did make several mistakes.  The play of the offense isn't relevant in my opinion.  Hard to blame them for anything in Sunday's loss.  They could have done better, no doubt about it, but when the defense gives up 318 rushing yards nothing else really matters.  The Lions rushing attack, if you can call it that, gained 62 yards on 21 carries.  I don't think anyone expected the run game to come out of the gate racking up yards ... and they didn't.  Kitna's final numbers were 24 out of 33 for 262 yards with 2 TDs and 1 Int.  Kitna was sacked three times.

It was an extremely disappointing day for Lions fans everywhere.  After a 4-0 preseason, hope were high.  After the humiliating loss in Atlanta, it looks like it could be a very long season.  As bad as it was, it still only counts for one loss.  Defensive coordinator Joe Barry has his work cut out for him.  Next up for the Lions is the home opener against Green Bay.

While the Lions will be more committed to running the ball in 2008, they came out passing.  They went shotgun, no huddle, as they wanted to get the starters a little practice in the two minute drill.  The opening drive resulted in a field goal.  Once again, QB Jon Kitna was very effective in limited action.

For the first time during the preseason, the running game was able to break a couple of long ones.  Rookie Kevin Smith took it to the end zone from 35 yards out.  Brian Calhoun broke loose for a 40 yard gain.  The rushing attack picked up 129 yards on 30 carries for the game, which the coaching staff would be elated to see in a regular season match up.

The story on defense was the continued effectiveness of the pass rush.  The defense harassed QBs Brady Quinn and Ken Dorsey throughout the game.  This Lions fans is a good thing, a very good thing.  While the Browns were missing QB Derek Anderson, WR Braylon Edwards, and RB Jamal Lewis, the offensive line was intact.  The Lions held the Browns to 250 total yards for the game.

While it would have been nice to see the two teams compete with everyone healthy, it didn't happen.  The Lions controlled the game, looked very good, and didn't sustain any injuries.  Mission accomplished.  They close out the preseason this Thursday in Buffalo. 

There were a lot of questions regarding the Lions offense with the departure of Mike Martz.  Many thought getting rid of Martz and turning over the reins of the offense to Jim Colletto and Kippy Brown would be a huge mistake.  Many felt the offense would tank without Martz.  Who knows what will happen once the regular season starts?  However, I love the new offensive plan of Colletto and Brown.  I think it will work.  The offense will look a lot different and I think it will be productive.

The 2008 team is going to be committed to running the football.  Colletto is switching to a zone blocking scheme and there will be growing pains.  They have been far from impressive in the first two games.  They did improve from game one to game two.  There is still a lot of work to be done to get the running game in order for the start of the regular season.  Rookie OT Gosder Cherilus looked horrible against the Giants, but he put in a solid performance in Cincinnati.  The running game won't need to rack up the yards.  They will simply need to help keep the defense honest and help control the clock.  The running game was an afterthought during the Martz regime, it won't be in 2008.

There are several new wrinkles in the passing attack.  It appears that Colletto and Brown are going to focus on getting the ball to the playmakers.  No more controlled mayhem designed to open up a big play.  They have Calvin Johnson and they are going to use him.  Look for Johnson to have a huge year and Roy Williams to put up big numbers as CJ will draw double and triple coverage.

QB Jon Kitna will not be the sitting duck he was the last two seasons.  The staff is mixing up the drops and they are using rollouts.  With the commitment to the running game, the play action pass is part of the offense, as well as the bootleg.  Opposing defenses can't just rush to the same spot anymore.  Kitna has showed mobility and the ability to throw on the run in his limited preseason action.

Many of the new acquisitions on the defensive ball have played well.  CBs Leigh Bodden and Brian Kelly have improved the secondary.  The defense has been putting pressure on the QB.  Rookies Jordon Dizon, Cliff Avril, and Andre Fluellen have looked good.  It won't take much to improve on the defensive side of the ball.  The 2007 unit was at the bottom of the barrel statistically.

Preseason is preseason but I have liked what I have seen from the 2008 Lions.  The Lions host the Browns in the third preseason game this Saturday.  We should have a better idea of where things stand after that one.  So far so good.

To parrot head coach Rod Marinelli, everything is a process. The process of the off-season is over and training camp opens today at Allen Park. Matt Millen and the franchise have pushed a credo of "Believe in Now", which is what Lion fans have been doing since their last championship in the 1950's. The end result, more often than not, has been disbelief at another campaign without a trip to the Super Bowl.

Yet here we are again, the start of camp at Optimism Central. While much of the attitude landscape has changed, the results really have not. With the "win now" mentality in pro sports, how much more time can we expect Marinelli to have to implement his military style philosophy and imprint his character on the players?

As long as I have been a staunch fan of the Lions, over 30 years, the "now" is about the shot we have unless something happens at the quarterback position. While Jon Kitna is serviceable and has statistical success over the last two seasons due to zero commitment to running the ball in Mad Mike Martz's pass-happy offense, he is not a Super Bowl caliber quarterback. Never has been, never will be.

What lies behind this season is scarier than that. With former Viking, Dolphin, and Raider Daunte Culpepper calling the Lions looking for work, isn't obvious that the quarterback position is in flux? Kitna is cemented as the starter in '08, but who is the future? Dan Orvlosky? Drew Stanton? Makes you think that with Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson on the outside and a re-commitment to the run game, I would hold the same opinion on C-Pepp as I would Simms. Why not? Take a shot, he is now three years removed from the knee injury that changed his life, maybe he's ready to change ours.

The team have their draft picks signed (almost) and ready to roll. Right tackle Gosder Cherilus, linebacker Jordon Dizon (get signed, who do you think you are?), runningback Kevin Smith, and defensive end Cliff Avril are all being counted on to make an impact. "Believing in Now" is going to mean these young cubs roar early, and loudly.

Rumors are still circulating that former Eagle Takeo Spikes is interested in coming aboard and the Lions are eager to sign him, but this talk has been going on for more than a week. He finished second in tackles in Philadelphia last season and would be a good fit to man the middle of Detroit's Tampa Two. Why wait?

Both lines will be the focus of this camp. The offensive line has much to prove as they were not a fit for the Martz offense and claim coming off the ball and playing smash mouth is. The defensive front will make or break this club as gone is man-child Shaun Rogers is gone to Cleveland and Cory Redding, owner of one of the richest defensive contracts in the league HAS to become a Pro Bowler, or real close to it.

Is last season's free agent prize Dewayne White the answer to the ever-present pass rush shortage? Will Ikaika Alama-Francis develop in his second season to help him? Will Redding prove to be worth $49 million? What about former Pac-10 defensive player of the year Shaun Cody? Is playing for a contract all he's good for? Is he a dependable defensive tackle? Why didn't the Lions make a run at Jason Taylor? Without improvement to the D-front, the improved secondary will still struggle and suffer.

As camp opens, all best case scenarios seem possible and the first pre-season games are right around the corner. "Believing in Now" means should the team open 6-2 again this season, they should be able to close it out with a playoff spot, maybe a playoff win.

At least we have football back, huh?

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You can already hear the noise. Another Tampa Bay player? Aren't there any other teams in the NFL to deal with or former players of other clubs?

The Lion quarterback situation is hardly ready for much beyond this season. The fact is that a contingency plan must be in place if current back-ups Dan Orlovsky or Drew Stanton aren't NFL-caliber signal callers.

There is a lot of pressure in Detroit. After such a long record of futility, the team has  scrambled year after year in an attempt to get back to the playoffs. Orlovsky has played in two games since being taken in the 5th round in 2005 and has had a host of offensive coordinators and coaches. We simply don't know if he's ready.

Last season's second round draft choice Drew Stanton was placed on the injured reserve list after sustaining a knee injury in camp and is yet to even see any game action, pre-season or otherwise. Mike Martz is gone and had begun to tear down his entire game and rebuild to fit his offense. He is a rookie all over again.

Jon Kitna is a career back-up with a couple seasons as a full time starter. He is well into the twilight of his playing days and is a year or two away from retirement. Lets face it, he isn't Brett Farve and playing beyond the age of 38 is not an attractive option for the Lions and for Rod Marinelli to keep his job during that time frame, he is going to have to get a bonafide productive starter at the position.

This is what makes Chris Simms a sensible gamble. He won't be 28 years old until near the start of the season, has starting experience, and enough upside in the right system to be successful. He has the "quarterback pedigree" from his father Phil, a salary in the $2 million range, and an availability that would mean a low round, stipulations-added draft choice to acquire him. He is currently fifth on the Bucs' depth chart; he is not going to be there this season so the Bucs need to move him.

The quarterback situation in Detroit has a distinct pecking order as it sits. It is Kitna, Orlovsky, and Stanton. There isn't an open competition nor should there be. Bringing in Simms, who has drawn interest from the Bears and Cowboys as well, would be one of the wiser moves the Lions could make without forfeiting much of the future.

The Lions are getting the point in the Marinelli era where some significant results are needed. Improvement, steps forward, a competitive product on the field. Marinelli has a knowledge of Simms and the team has done ample business in acquiring Tampa players for the knowledge of the coach, their defensive system, and for their "football character". Simms has proven a toughness (coming back from a near fatal spleen injury) and would be a smart move on Matt Millen's part were he to bring him in.

Why let him go to an NFC power like Dallas (who need a back-up to Tony Romo) or worse yet, a division foe like the Bears who are in need as well who may be close to landing former Lion Kevin Jones as well? With camp opening soon, Detroit would be wise to make this move.

Their free fantasy sports games offer a way to spend more time with your kids, watch more football, and possibly win some great family oriented prizes. Sports have always been something that parents and their kids could share and use to build stronger, healthier relationships. The hope is that Lions Den readers will appreciate a site that prides itself on providing free, family oriented leagues and content.

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Just when you think the Lions might be getting it right.

I don't know why anyone would be surprised, I'm certainly not. The top two Detroit draft picks for this season both have skeletons in their closet that the team should have known about, or knew about them and didn't want anyone to know. First round offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (Boston College) and second round linebacker Jordon Dizon (Colorado) have both made news in the least desirable way, especially in today's NFL.

Cherilus was involved in an altercation at a bar last year while celebrating his 23rd birthday, while allegedly trying to "break up" a fight. A patron who was in a confrontation with a part owner (also a State Police sergeant) claims Cherilus grabbed him in a choke hold and dragged him. A judge ordered the Lion rookie to probation and pay $52,000 toward his medical bills and will be one of the defendants in the upcoming civil suit. The lesson learned?

"The lesson I learned," Cherilus said, "is not to try to break up any more fights."

Chalk one up for the "Marinelli" guy. Apparently, football character is to be taken literally. Marinelli is convinced Cherilus is the real deal and will be an impact player immediately, even if he wasn't a "sexy" selection.

"Is it a glamorous guy coming in? No," Marinelli said. "But for a coach, it is."

Dizon was nabbed for a DUI a mere six days before the draft. I guess its supposed to be okay and swept away because he was not yet a member of the NFL fraternity. He has of course pleaded not guilty (right, a .097 blood alcohol content) and contended that he is taking responsibility. By pleading not guilty? The lip service both he and his lawyer make me want to heave lunch. His story confuses me.

"I was very polite to the officer. I did everything he asked me to and I acted like a man. It's a bad situation and I'm sorry that it happened."

His attorney offered the company line of course.

"Jordon is an outstanding football player, person and citizen," attorney Peter Schaffer said. "I think that over time he will continue to demonstrate that to all his fans in both Michigan and Colorado."

The reason the Lions grabbed him in the second round? His football character of course.

"The guy's all over the field," Marinelli pointed out post-draft. "He's got a great feel for the game, bright. We had him up here on a visit. He's a special guy. He really is. He's a special person."

Yep, special. I'm not implying that the club should run to the media podium and spew the news, but in this time of turmoil and yet another rebuilding process, do the Lions need this attention? Doesn't these incidents make their front office look worse than already perceived? I think we can all agree that Matt Millen needs more negative criticism like a hole in the head. Yet it directly reflects on his administration, like it or not. His scouting, his staff, his watch.

You men make mistakes. The question is that when they are given the fruits of an NFL contract, will they become worse and feel they can get away with bad conduct? Will they learn their lesson and not allow themselves to become subject to these situations? Just how much "character" can we expect?

And does Marinelli know the difference?

Former Pro-Bowl Lion left tackle Lomas Brown is in town helping out coach Rod Marinelli during these OTA's and is focusing in on rookie first round pick Gosder Cherilus. While it is tough to get a good read on his progress (or lack thereof) practicing in shorts, Brown can somewhat evaluate where Cherilus needs to improve.

"I would have to see him in pads, but this is just my opinion in shorts," Lomas points out. "I don't think he's very far. I just think there's fundamental things for him."

When your bread and butter is digging in and and coming of the ball with physical play, running around in shorts may not paint the clearest picture when looking at the offensive line. But the speed of the game in the NFL is evident and this may be the initial starting point of Gosder's most glaring area of development. He is going to be faced with speed rushing ends and linebackers and getting out into pass protection will be just as vital as run blocking, his perceived strength.

"A lot of times it looks like he's grabbing and he's not punching the guy, but it's all about the timing," Brown continues. He can learn. He'll get that down during training camp. The more reps he gets with it, the better he'll get. So I'm not really concerned with him. I do like what I heard, that he's got a nasty attitude. You can't teach that."

Marinelli has always admired Brown from his days as a back-up on the 2002 Super Bowl winning Tampa Bay squad and is very happy to have the 7-time Pro Bowl selection tutoring his offensive lineman. With the emphasis shifting to the power running game this season, the Lions can use all the insight Brown can offer.

What may sound like a red flag, it is shorts and very little contact in practice right now. The real test and techniques come from putting on the pads and lining it up. While fans may be moaning and groaning already, and with Millen's record who can blame them, lets get down to bullets flying before we turn the gun on Matt.

Not since the immortal Barry Sanders have the Lions had such pedigree in a runningback. He nearly matched Barry's single-season rushing record, falling just 61 yards short (2,567 yards, 29 touchdowns) and also like Barry, holds the hopes of the team and their fans in his hands as the Lions move from the pass-happy Mike Martz offense to the power running game implemented by new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto. Even with those numbers, Smith realizes the National Football League is a far cry from Conference USA.

"I've got a lot to prove," Kevin states. "To me, my mind-set, I proved what I could do in college. I come from Conference USA. I dominated Conference USA every year I played. Now I'm on a different level with good players. Every player is as good as me. Now I've got to work on things to get an upper hand on people, and that's my plan. I'm not saying I'm the best person. I'm Kevin, I'm entering the NFL and I'm going to work hard to be all I can be."

Numer four overall pick Darren McFadden has LaMont Jordan and Justin Fargas waiting for him in Oakland. Jonathan Stewart was selected at thirteen by the Carolina Panthers and will initially split carries with DeAngelo Williams and play situational roles. Rashard Mendenhall was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers and will be part of a somewhat crowded backfield with Willie Parker returning from injury. Felix Jones is going to be the change of pace to Marion Barber in Dallas. Smith is coming in expected to be the future and will challenge veterans Tatum Bell, Artose Pinner, and Brian Calhoun for playing time to replace former starter Kevin Jones and knows being a rookie comes with its own trials and tribulations.

"No one told me I was going to come here to be a starter or even play, for that matter," he realizes. "I think you just come here and compete. As a rookie, you have to be on special teams, so I'll bust my behind on special teams. I just play football. I just play running back, and wherever I fit on the depth chart, that's where I belong."

One huge advantage Smith has over other rookie runningbacks in 2008, and may even have over the veterans on the Lions, is the offense. The zone blocking scheme, the play calls, snap counts, and the assignments are all things Smith has already played with at UCF under his college offensive coordinator Tim Salem, who had once worked under Colletto at Purdue. This certainly shortens the learning curve and give Smith a running start once camp begins.

Smith in my mind is the absolute key in this draft class, even though he was selected in the third round. I feel that the offensive line the Lions fielded last season was solid, but asked to play away from their strengths. Being asked to pass block in games where your running attack has six or eight carries in an entire game at times is mind-boggling, let alone pass plays that take numerous five and seven step drops while facing an all-out blitz because your running game doesn't strike fear in opposing defenses. Commitment is step one and the Lions have made that by replacing Martz with Colletto, a move many non-Lion fans may have questioned, but us diehards applauded.

Smith has the aspirations that all rookie backs have when they enter the league. And although he has the potential to reach things like future Pro Bowls and rushing titles, Kevin realizes that when the dream of playing pro football becomes reality, talk can be cheap and actions speak louder than words.  

"This is not the right time to talk about stuff. You don't come to a team sport and say, 'I'm going to be rookie of the year.' That's just a dream inside there, but it's nothing to talk about. You just do it. It just happens. Adrian didn't talk about that," he said (meaning Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings), Adrian just made it happen. I just want to make it happen."

I certainly believe that if things work out according to plan, we should see Smith surpass 1,000 this season as he becomes acclimated to the league. Although the team may find it necessary to start Tatum Bell as they brought him back after under using him last season, you don't have to look no furthers than Smith's workhorse-like 450 carries last season to know the Lions perhaps the next king of the jungle and Lion pride leader.