Rumors and rambling

The Lions lost a great game (2nd half) against Arizona Sunday 31-24.  Daunte Culpepper started the game and, as expected, looked like crap.  He was pulled in favor of Drew Stanton in the second half.  Finally.  Stanton fared a bit better and the team definitely responded to the change at the helm.  neither QB looked really good but Stanton performed well enough that he should get the starting nod on Sunday against the 49ers.  Several players really picked up their game, including Maurice Morris and especially Louis Delmas who, in my opinion, should be in consideration for the ROY.  He had a pick and ran it back for 101 yards, made several good plays and is having a fantastic season.  For a play-by play of the game, check out here on Pride of Detroit for, as usual, some great writing.

• Matthew Stafford could be ruled out for the game Sunday against the 49ers and a decision between Stanton and Culpepper could come as early as Wednesday.  Here’s to hoping Stanton gets the nod.
• Louis Delmas was very upset after another Lions loss and has every right to be.
  

  "I don’t really pay attention to the record, because if I did, I’d probably kill myself," he said. "I just pay attention to the game. But obviously once you’re losing, you’re not going to see no smile on this face or nothing."

  Can’t say that I blame him.  Louis has played hard all season and with the poor secondary and revolving door at corner, it’s like he’s playing by himself back there.  Hopefully they can get him some help next season.

• Bill Simonson is still an idiot.  I never liked his show when I lived in Michigan and I see he is still spewing the same drivel as usual.  Grow a pair, Bill.
• Todd McShay likes the Lions to take DT Gerald McCoy with their first pick.  I wouldn’t be upset if they did.

I certainly hope the Lions coaching staff and brain trust have learned a lot this season.  There are a multitude of changes that must be made in the offseason.  You can’t realistically expect an 0-16 team to come back after one year.  Miami did well after a horrendous season but they had better talent.  Detroit is getting there.  The D-line needs revamping and Delmas needs help in the secondary.  The O-line could use some help as well as someone opposite CJ.  Hopefully Kevin Smith will be able to play right off next season.  He was really coming into his own the last few games before his injury.

People grumble, whine and moan about the constant losing but it can’t go on forever.  I’ve got to believe that this group can turn it around in 1-2 more years.  they need time to build a team from scratch, which is mostly what they’re doing. 

Sorry about the brevity but our family is busy with the holidays.  I start a long (11 days) vacation on Thursday so hopefully I’ll have something with more substance up in the very near future.