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Thursday, November 2, 2006
Lions without a roar
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As the Falcons continue their travels to Felineworld, here’s a bit of old business from last week to tie up: Chad Johnson has zapped the Mohawk. Still waiting for photographic confirmation. While we do, Enemy Watch has four words to say to Ol’ Ocho Cinco:
Go away, would ya?
It’s one thing to jab at DeAngelo Hall. But now the Bengals’ widemouth wideout says he’s ready for a piece of Ray Lewis, and states his objective against the All-Pro LB stud succinctly: “Hit him in the mouth.”
Be careful what you wish for, Chad. Especially if the Ravens star suggests a meeting place in a dark alley in Buckhead.
All of this seems a whole lot more interesting than the Falcons meeting the 1-6 Lions. But it now seems like D. Hall is having a bit of verbal sparring with receiver Roy Williams, the best deep threat for an increasingly potent Detroit offense.
According to Hall, Williams started it all Wednesday by saying the Falcons CB might need some help covering deep pass routes. Hall called it “a good little Chad Johnson-like comment,” then added, “I play the game. I’m a Pro Bowler, he’s not. I’m considered one of the best at what I do, he’s not. So, all the other stuff, we’ll see on Sunday.”
Guess last week’s team orders to clam up about Johnson doesn’t apply here. Or D’s about to get in some trouble.
It’s no time to panic for the 1-6 Lions — but this pundit suggests that they MUST win 3 of the next 4 games No, no panic at all.
And what about the game against Falcons? “It’s also winnable because, well, they have the inconsistent Michael Vick at quarterback.”
Must not have seen No. 7’s show against the Bengals.
No, most of the attention given to the Lions is about how simply awful they are, and how worse they continue to get.
Here’s a vote for second-year wide receiver Mike Williams as “The most useless player in the NFL.”
The ex-USCer, a first-round pick last year, is blowing out the salary cap with his huge contract, and he’s appeared in only two of seven games thus far. He’s never gotten himself into proper playing shape and has shown dismal professionalism.
But the Lions, who can’t dump him, released instead veteran Az-Zahir Hakim this week without offering an explanation. He was dispensable in what’s being referred to as a “roulette” situation at receiver.
Surely, they must be aware of some of the Falcons’ secondary problems.
Much of the finger-pointing in Detroit is directed toward the front office, where GM Matt Millen is “still employed,” much to the chagrin of Lions Nation. Ex-UGA Bulldog LB Boss Bailey has been benched from what is already a very bad defense.
Some think the Lions should be in prime position to make a GOOD draft pick next year. Then again, there’s Millen’s “accrued incompetence.” That’s one of the kinder things Enemy Watch unearthed about him. Somewhere in the Lions HQ somebody is saying: “You’re doing a heckuva job, Millie!”
Bird Babe is warning to watch out for the Lions, especially with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz starting to get in a groove.
Indeed, “Lions players believe in Martz.” They have to believe in somebody. Says fullback Cory Schlesinger: “Once Martz figures out the defense, it’s hard to stop us.”
But will it be enough to turn around what’s looking to be another forgettable season in Motown?
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