Battle for guard spots crowded, competitive

While the competition for starting quarterback is getting most of the hype, an even bigger battle is going on with the Lions' offensive guard positions, according to this Associated Press report (which I presume is by Larry Lage).

The Lions have turned over half their roster from last season, and OG was clearly an area they targeted for change. The most recent newcomers are Milford Brown, who started four of the six games in which he played at Jacksonville last season; and Terrance Metcalf, an eight-year veteran who spent his first seven seasons in Chicago before being released in March.

They join another newcomer, Daniel Loper, who came over from Tennessee, where he was a back-up. Incumbent Stephen Peterman is trying to hold onto his spot, and third-year OG Manny Ramirez, who had three starts in four games played last season, seems to be coming on.

Also in the mix is 10-year veteran Jon Jansen, who came over from the Redskins. Jansen has started his entire career as a right offensive tackle, and will likely be a back-up there this season. But he's also been getting practice time at guard and even center. Jansen in the article is quoted as saying he prefers to play tackle, but will go wherever it takes to get playing time on Sundays.

From the A.P. article: Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said the line probably will look the same when Saturday's second preseason game begins in Cleveland, but hinted that five men are competing for just four spots.

"We've got ideas of our rotation, I think it will be pretty similar to the way we did it last week," he said. "We're really about two-deep, anyway, so we're trying to maintain that for the game."
Similarly to the defensive secondary, Lions fans are hoping that when it comes to offensive guard, new equals better.

Talk about it in The Den!

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NY Times: Lions awful at choosing O-linemen, DBs

For those who grumble that preaseason stories are relentlessly positive and hopeful, I give you a rather caustic assessment of the Lions by KC Joyner, "The Football Scientist," at the New York Times' NFL blog The Fifth Down.

Joyner points out that before last season he wrote that the Lions seem to be OK to good at building certain parts of their team. (But he lists LB, D-line and RB as areas the Lions do fairly well personnel-wise, which to me lessens his credibility. Linebacker and D-line have been underperforming and thin, and beyond Kevin Smith, RB hasn't been even decent.)

But the Lions, Joyner said, can never seem to get solved their offensive line or defensive secondary. And at least the secondary should be one of the easiest personnel pieces to solve, he said, because it comes down to pure, physical talent.

Heading into 2009, Joyner said new GM Martin Mayhew does appear to have added quality to the secondary with Phillip Buchanon and Anthony Henry (though like many, Joyner thinks Henry may be destined for safety).

But Joyner calls Mayhew out on his approach to the O-line: "It doesn’t look as if he is approaching personnel roster stocking in this area any differently than it was approached under previous top management."

For example, the Lions ranked 31st in sacks allowed. That is bad enough, but their starting offensive linemen last year also had a combined Point of Attack (POA) run block win percentage of 79.8%. To give an idea of just how bad this is, if a single lineman put up that total in this metric, it would be a sure sign that he is a candidate for replacement.

Despite the inability to either pass block or run block with any consistency, the Lions look as if they are going to keep this line pretty much intact. The only change will be at left guard with Damion Cook taking over for Edwin Mulitalo, but Cook was on the Lions’ roster last year and doesn’t look to be much of an upgrade.

What is amazing to me is that Detroit didn’t even try to make wholesale changes here. The only offensive lineman they drafted was Nebraska offensive tackle Lydon Murtha in the seventh round. Free agency could offer some help, as former Washington right tackle Jon Jansen posted an 87.6% POA win rate with the Skins last year, but in order for him to hit the lineup, he’d have to replace last year’s No. 1 pick, Gosder Cherilus.

That could be an indication that the Lions are acknowledging that Cherilus can’t cut it, but that thought raises the question of what their front office staff looks for in linemen in the first place.

Joyner said it appears the Lions picked Cherilus in the first round in 2008 based on his size, because a breakdown of his performance showed "he never seemed to overwhelm defenders in pass blocking" despite "having a huge physical advantage over most of his competition." And that while Boston College did very little running, Cherilus in run-blocking "seemed to lack motivation and (looked like) he was trying to get by on physical talent alone."

The Lions downplayed what the tape said about Cherilus’s collegiate performance and instead said, “He’s big, wide and strong and that’s enough for us.” That mind-set gave them a guy with a 74.1% POA win rate (one of the lowest in the league not only at his position, but at any position), six false start penalties and four sacks allowed in only 13 starts.

Ouch!

Discuss in The Den!

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FOXSports' "10 Guys Worth Rooting For in NFL Training Camps" chock full o' Lions

FOXSports.com contributor Peter Schrager has written a column on 10 players worth rooting for in NFL training camps, and it features three Lions and an ex-Lion.

His Lions include undrafted free-agent WR D.J. Boldin, who Schrager lists along with WR Nick Moore of the Vikings. They're the younger brothers of established NFL star WRs Anquan Boldin and Lance Moore.

Writes Schrager: "D.J. and Nick would be more than happy just surviving training camp with jobs at the end of August. For all the younger brothers out there let's keep an eye on how they do in the trenches this month."

Also on Schrager's list to root for is new LB Larry Foote and OT Jon Jansen.

Writes Schrager: "They say there's nothing quite like going home. Have 'they' been to Detroit?" (A gratuitous shot at Motown. How novel.) Larry Foote and Jon Jansen have, and the two return voluntarily this season to help revitalize and recharge a team that's been entrenched in the ashes for far too many years ... "Together, Foote and Jansen will strive to bring veteran leadership, consistent play, and a sense of pride to their hometown team. And who knows, perhaps even a few wins."

Some Lions fans might have difficulty rooting for another on Schrager's list -- ex-Lion flameout and current Saint backup QB Joey Harrington.

States Schrager:

If you're a fan of redemption stories, you might want to check out what he's up to down in New Orleans this August. Harrington, known as "Joey Blue Skies" in Detroit, is currently with the Saints — his fourth team in five NFL seasons. Bounced on and off the New Orleans roster in '08, the Lions former No. 3 overall pick is now in a tight race for the Saints backup job with fellow veteran gunslinger Mark Brunell. Harrington, whose face once famously graced a New York City billboard back in his Oregon days, has been throwing the ball well this offseason. Signed to a one-year deal in NOLA, this could be his last shot in the NFL.

Talk about it in The Den!

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Jansen Happy To Be Home

Our old friend Dave Birkett is the Wolverine correspondent for AnnArbor.com now, as many Den regulars already know. Jon Jansen's link to the school gave Birkett an excuse to write about Jansen joining the Lions.

When Redskins owner Daniel Snyder told him of his release in May, Jansen immediately called his agent and asked to work out a deal with the Lions. Two hours later, with Jansen still on Snyder’s private plan back to Michigan, a contract was done.

“My whole life has been built around Detroit and in the state of Michigan,” said Jansen, a Clawson native who kept an off-season home in Petoskey when he was with the Redskins. “I’ve got a good base of people that support me, and to be able to play in front of them was special. “I would have loved to have come here (coming out of college). It would have been great for me, but it didn’t work out at that time. I’m just happy that I get to play part of my career here.” ~ Still, Jansen said he’s “hoping to play in Detroit another 10 years” and has a minimum “five or six” seasons left in his rebuilt body

I think it is pretty optimistic for Jansen to think he can play until he is nearly 40, particularly considering the string of injuries that has taken a toll, but there is no reason that he can't play another 2-3 years.

Stirring the tea leaves, it's fun to envision Jansen pushing Cherilus to the inside for a couple of years with 34k running over a right side of the line featuring those two along with Pettigrew. It's pure fantasy, of course, but it's fantasy that would have opposing coordinators pulling out their hair.

Discuss it Here, in The Den

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Position Battles: Offensive Line

Continuing our discussion of players fighting for both starting jobs as well as roster spots we come to one of the more interesting positions with the offensive line. Four starting positions seem fairly secure, five counting Brandon Pettigrew at TE (a position we will also discuss today) and some order may be coming to the line that has lacked continuity for years. The remainder of the roster spots will provide opportunities for competition among the remaining players on the roster. There is one center on the roster with NFL experience and only three guards listed, one who hasn't played in the NFL in three years and another who is no way guaranteed to make the team. With six tackles vying for backup spots it is pretty clear that flexibility will be one of the guiding determinants. Detroit is likely to carry 9-10 offensive linemen into the season.

The Offensive Line

Contenders

Manny Ramirez. If not for the lack of other options at guard he would probably be considered a longshot to make the team. Third year player out of Texas Tech he was one of the strongest players in his draft and one of the smarter players on his team, but so far has been unable to force himself into an otherwise weak rotation at guard with only five games (three starts) in his first two years. This has to be considered a make-or-break camp for Ramirez.

Daniel Loper. Probably the surest bet to make the roster and a somewhat likely starter. Was a regular backup for 40 consecutive games with the Titans after sitting for his first year and a half, although he did start the Titans' '07 playoff game against San Diego. Tough line to crack there with two All Pros and two other multiyear starters. Has extensive experience at guard and tackle.

Damion Cook. Another player with fairly extensive experience at both guard and tackle. Detroit signed him out of the CFL after his early NFL career petered out. Adequate player who may not provide enough value at any one position to secure a roster spot but who also has the potential to win the remaining starting spot. It's that type of year.

Ephraim Salaam. Nine year starter for four different teams, '08 was his first season exclusively in a reserve role. At this point in his career he is strictly a backup tackle who might start in a pinch.

Jon Jansen. Another player who is likely to make the roster, has reportedly gotten some practice at center. He's been exclusively a starting RT his entire career and it is possible that he fights Cherilus for playing time, and seems determined to prove that Washington made a mistake in cutting him.

Pretenders

Dylan Gandy. Listed as a center on the Lions' roster but virtually all of his professional experience is at guard. Was unable to win playing time for either Denver or Oakland last year and will probably be an early cut.

Dan Gerberry. A look-see guy only, will have a very difficult time making the roster. Probably an outside shot as a practice squader. GBN listed him as the 36th best center prospect in this year's draft and with only 32 NFL teams ... well, you do the math.

Toniu Fonoti. Another tryout guy. Trying to come back after eating his way out of the NFL. Has been signed by six teams since being cut by San Diego after his second season so plenty of teams still see his potential. Still holds the Nebraska record for pancakes. Words fail.

Lydon Murtha. He's generated a bit of excitement, but the fact remains that he is a 7th round draft pick and has a battle in front of him. He's quick enough to pull, but at this point isn't strong enough or bulky enough to stand up to NFL defenses. Run blocking is a weakness.

Kirk Barton. He got into one game with the Bears last year as a rookie 7th rounder before getting cut and spending roster time with Miami and Cincinnati. It is a little unclear what position he actually plays as he's been listed variously at all three offensive line spots. He played RT for Ohio State so we'll go with that for now.

In addition to Backus, Peterman, Raiola, and Cherilus it is very possible that the Lions go into opening day with the top five guys on the list. More likely one or more gets hurt or disappoints and then the fun really starts.

Tight Ends

Pettigrew has the starting position locked up and Will Heller has the inside track to winning the #2 spot, leaving the field to scramble for one or two other spots.

Contenders

Casey Fitzsimmons. 7th year Lion is not a great blocker which might be job one for tight ends on this team. He is a decent pass-catcher, can play fullback and has been one of the Lions better special teamers throughout his career. His flexibility may save him. Figures to go deep into August regardless.

Dan Gronkowski. Rookie 7th rounder out of Maryland. Good size with long arms and big hands. He's a good blocker but lacks great speed and will never be a threat to stretch the field. His future in the NFL probably starts on the practice squad with a graduation to blocking back.

Pretender

Jake Nordin. A holdover from Detroit's '08 practice squad, has one active game in his first three years (Ravens, '07). Is unlikely to force his way onto the roster.

~

With the move of Sean Conover to DE it is unclear how many tight ends Schwartz/Linehan intend to utilize. Nordin cannot be considered much of a threat to make the team and Gronkowski is a longshot to make a significant impact his rookie year. That would leave three tight ends on the active roster though, an unusually small number for a team that intends to remake itself as a physical running team, particularly considering tight ends are staples of the special teams as well.

Tomorrow we start on the defense.

Discuss my nonsense Here, in The Den

Lion Youth Movement? Not So Much.

Last year the Lions suffered a double-whammy of not only being the worst team in the league but also one of the five oldest overall. While Detroit did shed a number of the older veterans that were on the opening day '08 roster, they were in large part replaced by equally old veterans. Daunte Culpepper, Grady Jackson, Bryant Johnson, Larry Foote, Julian Peterson, Anthony Henry, and Philip Buchanon are all newcomers expected to start and as a group average 31 years old.

On opening day 2008 Detroit's starters averaged 27.9 years, the 8th oldest starting corps in the league, with eight starters at 30 years or older. Projecting out the 2009 opening day starters is a little tricky, but reasonable guesses can be made.

B Johnson      28
Pettigrew      24
Backus         32
Cook           30
Raiola         31
Peterman       27
Cherilus       25
C Johnson      24
Culpepper      32
Felton         23
K Smith        22


Avril          23
Darby          33
Jackson        36
White          29
Sims           24
Foote          29
Peterson       31
Buchanon       29
Bullocks       26
Delmas         22
Henry          32

The ages are as of 9/30/09. I'm sure some of The Den faithful might argue with Darby or possibly Cook, but it is equally likely a veteran player like Devries starts in place of Avril or that Kevin Carter supplants Darby so overall the average wouldn't be affected much either way.

The average age of the projected offensive starters right now is 27.1 years. Defensive starters 28.5 years for a composite 27.8 overall average, an overall decline in average age of 0.1 years. With this lineup Detroit would go from eight starters aged 30+ to seven.

It also isn't clear that the bench will be much younger than last year. Younger players such as Dan Orlovsky, Gerald Alexander, Shaun Cody, and Anthony Cannon were allowed to leave while older backups such as Eric Hicks (33), Terrelle Smith (31), Cody Spencer (28), Marquand Manuel (30), Ephraim Salaam (33), Jon Jansen (33), Ronald Curry (30), and Dennis Northcutt (31) acquired to replace them. While it is unlikely that all of these veterans make the team, it seems clear that Mayhew and Schwartz intend to rely heavily on greying veterans to bridge the gap to their rebuilding plan. It is very possible that this year's version of the Lions is even older than the '08 flavor that rapidly broke down and lost effectiveness.

Ongoing discussion Here in The Den

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Schwartz isn't patient; Sims has "switched his swagger"

Good article from Associated Press football writer Larry Lage on the Lions:

Linebacker Ernie Sims said the 2008 season is out of sight and mind.

“It’s out of my head,” Sims said. “Last year is over with and we’re focusing on the new year with a totally new team. We’re switching our swagger around.”

First-year coach Jim Schwartz relayed a message he shared during a team meeting, kicking off the three-day minicamp.

“Patience is no longer a virtue. Indoctrination is over,” Schwartz recalled telling the team. “There are new schemes. There’s new philosophies. There’s new coaches. There’s whole new dynamics. A significant number of players on the team are new.

“We need to get past it now and we need to start seeing results on the field.”

Schwartz also reiterated that he won't be naming starters at ANY positions for months, no doubt in an effort to sharpen competitiveness.

Lage also gets comments from Calvin Johnson, Kevin Smith and Jon Jansen as the minicamp got under way:

“It’s definitely a different mindset because we have a bunch of new players, who have brought a new energy,” Johnson said. “I’m looking forward to playing with these guys.”

Running back Kevin Smith, one of the holdovers, said the players are approaching the upcoming season as a new start.

“This is the 2009 Lions, not the ’08 Lions or the Lions that won it in ’57,” Smith said.

The Lions have put together a hungry bunch of players. Jansen, for example, joined the franchise soon after the Washington Redskins cut him.

“There are a lot of guys who want to prove a point,” he said. “I want to prove that I’m not done. A lot of guys want to prove that last year wasn’t them.”

Discuss in The Den!

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Larry Foote: Class

Sam Farmer of the LA Times wrote an excellent article this weekend--well, several, really--but one of them focused on Larry Foote's arrival in Detroit.  While the article won't be completely unfamiliar to the Lions-obsessed, there are a couple of notes on his character in there that will definitely make any fan proud to have Foote on the roster.

During the runup to the draft, I made an impassioned plea to the Lions' brass to draft Aaron Curry.  One of the primary reasons was that the Lions' roster, during the Fontes "glory years", was stocked with high-character players; men with deep ties to the city.  Guys like Herman Moore and Robert Porcher were not only Pro Bowl-caliber players on the field, they became pillars of the community.  Given the state of Detroit's (and Michigan's) economy, is there an NFL city that more desperately needs its team to be not only a source of civic pride, but an actual agent of growth and change?  I felt that even if Matt Stafford panned out as a quarterback, Aaron Curry--a kid who came from nothing, whose single mom worked like a dog to support her three boys--would be a much better avatar of the franchise than a kid from one of Dallas' most privileged suburbs.

Yet, in the post-draft free agent market, the Lions have added two players--Foote, and Jon Jansen--born and raised in the Detroit area, schooled at U of M, and absolutely thrilled to be back home.  Moreover, they'll help bolster two of the Lions' weakest positions from last year: linebacker and offensive line.  As the Lions rebuild their team with fresh young talent from around the nation, it's great to know that they'll be taking their cues from high-character leaders who love the city as much as the city loves them.

Discuss it here, in The Den!

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Kowalski on Gosder -- consistency a concern

Tom Kowalski at MLive.com continues his summer analysis of individual Lions (hey, even if it isn't hugely groundbreaking, I give Killer credit for providing some fodder during the pre-training camp news blackout) with a look at RT Gosder Cherilus. Says Tom K:

There are a lot of things to like about the game of Detroit Lions right tackle Gosder Cherilus: his size, work ethic, attitude, power and nasty streak. It's why the Lions selected Cherilus with the 17th overall pick in the first round last year. But Cherilus also lacks something very significant: consistency. His ability to maintain focus throughout the course of a game will ultimately determine whether he becomes an anchor on the Lions' offensive line or someone who will soon be replaced.

Kowalski also speculates that the offseason signings of Ephraim Salaam and Jon Jansen could indicate the Lions aren't willing to wait forever for Cherilus' consistency issues to work themselves out. And Kowalski also discusses what could have been:

One of the favorite games among Lions fans is "Who we should've drafted'' and that comes into play with Cherilus because the Lions actually traded out of the No. 15 spot to take Cherilus. The Lions moved down two spots, allowing the Kansas City Chiefs to move up and take Virginia guard Branden Albert. Although Albert graded out higher on most draft boards, the Lions were looking for a right tackle and Albert - who played guard in college - would be something of a projection in the pros. It turns out that he wasn't much of a projection - Albert started 15 games at left tackle (the much tougher tackle position) for the Chiefs. Albert, who started the regular season opener despite missing a good deal of preseason time with a foot injury, missed just one game during the year (hyperextended elbow).

Thoughts? Talk about it in The Den!

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Backus & Jansen, Reunited (and it feels so good)

Nick Cotsonika over at the Freep put up a quick piece talking about the history between Jeff Backus, the Lions' stalwart left tackle, and Jon Jansen the veteran right tackle whom the Lions just acquired. Of course, most know that both played at the University of Michigan together, but few realize how strong the bonds ran between that special U of M offensive line. The bookend pair of tackles helped lead their team to the 1997 national championship, and both have gone on to lengthy, if not overly victorious, NFL careers.

It remains to be seen whether the two will see the field together in 2009. Second-year veteran, and 2008 first-round draft choice, Gosder Cherilus presumably has the upper hand in securing the starting job at right tackle. Jansen will compete with signee Ephraim Salaam for reserve tackle duty, or possibly challenge Daniel Loper and Toniu Fonoti for time at left guard. Still, even if he only serves as a valuable reserve for the Lions, he should provide great mentorship and leadership to Cherilus--and renew his friendship with his old bookend.

Discuss it here, in The Den!

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