A Lions Franchise

[DSpydr84]

Interview with Rod Marinelli

Q: Rod, obviously last season didn't live up to the hopes of the city. What have you done this year to make this team better?

RM: Well, it's not so much what I have done, but what the players have done. Those guys in that locker room, they want to win games. I think every one is sort of rallying around each other.

Q: Can you tell us anything about the running back situation heading into the season?

RM: I think we've got plenty of good players back there at running back who can all play football. Obviously Kevin is injured right now, but Tatum, T.J., and Brian have really stepped up this off-season to win that starting spot. It's been a battle, a good battle.

Q: How about first round pick Calvin Johnson; what has he done to impress you so far?

RM: Well Calvin - he's a big kid. I almost mistaked him for a tight end earlier in camp until I saw him move. He's been having some trouble picking up the offense, but we expected that out of the kid. He's going to be a good football player.

Q: Give us a prediction this year for the 2007 Detroit Lions.

RM: I've never been much of a "prediction" guy. Obviously we've got a lot of work to do, and it's a long season. Right now our only focus is getting better and beating Oakland opening day.

Q: Thanks for your time coach.

RM: Alright, thanks guys.

[DSpydr84]

Interview with Jon Kitna

Q: Jon, training camp is underway. In terms of mindset, how does this years team compare to last years team?

JK: I think the guys this year are more hungry. Last year we really got put to the test by our coaches and I think now we have a better idea of what to expect and what they expect out of us. Guys are buying into the system.

Q: The offense on paper looks dynamic for the upcoming season. Does the paper translate well on the field?

JK: I'd be lying to you if I said it didn't. I think we have a great shot at putting up some big numbers this year.

Q: As one of the leaders on this team, what do you say to the guys during the hardships of training camp?

JK: Well, you've always gotta stay positive. When you make a bad play, or even when you make a good play, you've got to put it behind you and get ready for the next one. Focus on the little things.

Q: Thanks Jon.

JK: No problem guys.

[DSpydr84]

Preseason: Week 1

Lions: 26
Bengals: 13

Post-game Interview with Rod Marinelli

Q: Coach, what does it mean to this team to win this game?

RM: It means what every body thinks it means. Obviously we wanted to win the game, because we want to win every game we play in. But we also realize it's just preseason.

Q: What were you most happy about in today's game?

RM: Well, I really liked the fact that our guys took care of the football. No turnovers is always a good thing, preseason or not. That safety was also a great play. Still have a few things we'd like to work out for next week though..we can't be satisfied with what we did today.

Q: The running backs didn't exactly "light it up" today. Is there anything you're thinking of working on especially with those guys?

RM: They know they can play better. They know. I'm not gonna beat it into them. They've all worked hard this offseason, they all give it 100% in practice, they all go full-go on gameday. Obviously they didn't play the way they wanted to today, but they've got a few more weeks to get things rolling. I'm not worried.

Q: Coach, is this the Detroit Lions team you were hoping to build for opening day?

RM: Well like I said, we've still got some things to work on. It was a good first game. I'm pleased with how we played today. But like they say, you're never as good or as bad as you are in a preseason game. As long as we keep getting better with every passing day..that's all I care about right now.

Q: Thanks coach.

RM: Ok guys. Thanks.

[DSpydr84]

Hello everyone, I'm Trey Wingo along side Merril Hoge and Mark Schlereth as always, and what do you guys say we dive right into the first topic?

MH: Sure thing.

MS: Why not.

TW: Today we are talking about the incomparable NFC North Division. Let's kick it off with a little Fact or Fiction to get things going. So here we go, Fact or Fiction; The Chicago Bears will come out on top.

MS: Well, I think there's no question about it that this is fact. Until somebody else shows up from this division, there is no reason to believe that Chicago will lose this division.

MH: I hate to say it, but I'll agree with that statement. Fact, fact, fact. I mean they aren't exactly getting heat from any of their fellow division-mates. I would be very surprised if Chicago didn't winthis division.

TW: Ok, well Chicago's a lock at number one..Fact or Fiction; Detroit ends the season at the bottom of this division.

MS: I'm going to say fact but I will say this; I like Rod Marinelli, I like what he's done with this team, I just think this isn't the year for them. Maybe in another year or two, this team will be good contenders, but not this year.

MH: I'm going with fiction on this one. I cannot see anybody but Minnesota losing this division. Granted Detroit is not a great team, but I think they will do, at least, better than the Vikings.

TW: In an interview earlier this week, Quarterback Jon Kitna had mentioned that his offense "will put up big numbers this year". So my question to you guys is this..Fact or Fiction; The Lions offense will be in the top 10 this year.

MS: I'm actually gonna say fact. I think with the players they have, and the coach they have, they DO have a good shot at putting up some big numbers. Let's keep in mind; Mike Martz invented the "Greatest Show on Turf" in St. Louis. He's very capable of doing it again. Fact.

MH: Fiction, fiction, and another thing..fiction. Are you kidding me? Yeah, they've got the talent. Yeah, they've got the coach. SO WHAT!? This is not a top 10 offense in the National Football League. They have zero running backs, and an offensive line that couldn't block garbage cans. Kitna got sacked the most in the NFL last year, I don't see anything changing with that to this year.

TW: Couldn't block garbage cans?

MH: Couldn't block garbage cans! I said it!

TW: Now that's saying something. Alright, one last question. Fact or Fiction; Adrian Peterson will have a bigger impact on his team than Calvin Johnson will on his.

MS: That's fiction. I don't believe anyone will have a bigger impact this year than Calvin Johnson. This guy is a monster and he can fly. He is going to greatly increase the productivity of this Lions offense, and Merril, put them in the top 10.

MH: Oh give me a break with that one. If you're saying a rookie is going to carry an offense...

MS: I didn't say carry, I said help.

MH: Yeah, yeah. I'm going with fact. I think Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor will relieve a lot of the stress on the young gun at QB, Tavaris Jackson. That's going to make his impact, MUCH greater than Calvin Johnson, and his non-top 10 offensive squad.

TW: Ok guys, that's it for Fact or Fiction. Next up, Hogie is going to break down one of Detroit's favorite plays to use. Merril.

MH: The Detroit Lions, although not a top ten offense...

MS: Let it go, man. Jeez.

MH: Ha, anyway, the Lions have some good receivers to throw the ball to. There is a play they love to use, which is shown here on the monitor:



MH: This play gets their big receivers, Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson, on the outside and usually man up against the cornerback. Which, if I'm Jon Kitna, I like my chances with those matchups. Mike Furrey is streaking up the middle of the field to try to hold the safety and make a one-on-one situation for Calvin Johnson. If the safety plays Calvin, Kitna tosses it up to Furrey going LONG!

TW: Thanks Merril. And that's our show today. Stay tuned tomorrow for a preview of the NFC South Division....

MH: NOT TOP 10!!

MS: Oh my god..

TW: Goodnight everybody.

[TheHurriKane]

I'll Follow

[Willis11591]

Ill definitly folo this one. Nice words in the sig btw. Ive thought about using that one for my senior quote

[DSpydr84]

Detroit News

Fans visiting practices in hopes of big year

"I was really surprised to see them out there,"

That's what fourth year receiver, Roy Williams, had to say about seeing the Detroit faithful watching the team practice this Tuesday.

"A lot of people came. I just hope we didn't let them down."

Detroit is entering week 2 of the preseason, after defeating Cincinnati in week 1, by a score of 26-13.

But Roy wasn't the only person surprised by the turnout of almost 1,000 people near Detroit's outdoor practice facility.

"It was great to see them," said head coach Rod Marinelli, heading into his second year after going 3-13 last season. "We've always said that all we need are the 53 in the locker room, but it's always great to have the fans at your back."

The optimism is spreading like wild fire around the Detroit area, but Marinelli likes to keep it realistic.

"People have high hopes for us, and that's ok. We like the pressure."