In October, after another Lions loss, I said I would not spend another minute of my time watching the Lions as long as Matt Patricia was coach and Bob Quinn was general manager. They were fired before the season ended, but I still didn’t watch. Then this week happened.
For the first time in a very long time, I am encouraged about the future of the Lions. Owner Sheila Ford Hamp and President Rod Wood seem to know what they are doing. It started with the hiring of Chris Spielman as assisstant to Wood, which led to the hiring of Brad Holmes as GM and head coach Dan Campbell, who has added young and ethusiastic assistants along with very experienced experienced assistants. It all culminated on Saturday evening with the trading of quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams for quarterback Jarod Goff, 26, a former first pick in the draft who took the Rams to the super bowl in his second year. They also received two future first round picks and a secocnd and third round pick in the draft. This was a haul by the Lions that far exceeded most experts expectations. Only time will tell, but it is starting to feel like this is not the same old Lions.
Unlike, previous Lion superstars, Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford leaves the Lions on a good note. The Lions granted Stafford’s wish by trading him to a contender and to a city that he already has a home. With the trade, the Rams odds to win the super bowl in 2022 went from 18-1 to 10-1. The trade appears to be a win/win for all of the parties.
The potential big loser in the trade are the Detroit area charities that Stafford and his wife Kelly supported with their time and money. They were always willing to help when asked. During his time with the Lions, Stafford was a warrior and the consumate teammate. He has the 5th longest game played streak of any quarterback in history. His arm is second to none. He led the Lions to 31fourrh quarter wins and 38 game winning drives in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter , including 8 in 2016. He holds every passing record for the Lions. He never publically criticized another player or management. His biggest quarterback competitor over the years was Dan Orlovsky, who has become a very close friend. My wish is for Stafford to win a super bowl with the Rams. He belongs in the Hall of Fame regardless, but a super bowl win will insure it.
Stay safe. Wear your mask. Wash your hands regularly. Social distance. Schedule your vaccine.
Quote of the Day: “My dad’s cousins sent me a petition — a certified letter — saying they disowned me because I’m in ‘the devil’s army’ now….” Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), a 2010 Tea Partier but now one of the ten Republicans in the House to vote in favor of impeachment of former President Trump.
Orchid of the Day: Lions general manager Brad Holmes for exceeding expectations in the haul he made in the trade of Matthew Stafford.
Onion of the Day: To the 2,700 people who “took cuts” by accessing a “hack” into Beaumont Health Systems medical record system and registering for the vaccine ahead of people who met the qualtifications. Fortunately they were caught and were removed prior to getting their vaccine. It is getting harder and harder to understand human behavior.
I think it’s fear and ignorance. I am trying to develop compassion for their suffering