National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Following a 31-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers today, the Detroit Lions became the first team in NFL history to go 0-16. I can’t even imagine how difficult a season it was for the players and coaches. After today’s game, quarterback Dan Orlovsky said:

“I don’t ever want to be a part of this again. We haven’t won since — November of ‘07 — maybe? I don’t even know the last time we won a game.”

It was December 23 of last season, actually. But the fact remains, there are so many problems in Detroit, it’s hard to determine where to start. I guess you begin at the top with owner William Clay Ford Sr. What he does this offseason will go a long way in determining if the Lions repeat this kind of performance in 2009. He already did the right thing by ousting former President and CEO Matt Millen back in September, but it seems to me a total housecleaning is in order. Nevertheless, it appears Mr. Ford is probably going to continue with General Manager Martin Mayhew and Chief Operating Officer Tom Lewand. Head coach Rod Marinelli even stands a chance of returning to the team, which seems pretty unfathomable when you consider his 10-38 record as head coach of the Lions the past three seasons. The Lions have some good core players with whom to build a solid team around (namely Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey, Kevin Smith, Paris Lenon, Ernie Sims and potentially Daunte Culpepper), but without a proven franchise quarterback (like Matt Cassel, perhaps) and the right leadership, they’re just going to continue to spin their wheels.

Source: NFL.com, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Detroit Lions Make NFL History

It was supposed to be their year. Detroit Lions fans, the team, the media — everyone was pretty much tired of losing football in the Motor City. And this was their year. The pieces were in place, the predictions made. Then disappointment hit. Again. I spoke with wide receiver Mike Furrey about how the team was dealing with missing the playoffs, what can be done for the future, and in keeping with the spirit of the season — a “Mountain of Toys.”

Shownotes: David Kindervater (host), Mike Furrey (NFL player guest)

• 0:40 – Losing six straight after starting 6-2 is shocking for the Lions
• 1:10 – It seems like all of a sudden the Lions are out of the playoff race
• 2:01 – Lions need to change their attitude and confidence to be winners
• 3:43 – Last two games, finding out what players have character
• 4:30 – Lions sell out 49 straight games, fans had high expectations
• 5:25 – Mike and his teammates collect a “Mountain of Toys”
• 6:30 – Results beyond expectations for Mike Furrey Foundation
• 7:10 – Putting a smile on a kid’s face is the most rewarding part
• 8:15 – Mike was named Detroit Lions’ Robert Porcher “Man of the Year”

Sponsor: ColdGear ArmourFleece Big Logo Hood
Links: MikeFurrey.net, DetroitLions.com, NFL.com

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Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

BPR86 Mike Furrey

It’s bad enough that the Detroit Lions have lost four straight games. Now they’ve lost their top receiver for possibly the rest of the season. Wide receiver Roy Williams (63 catches for 836 yards and five TDs) has a sprained knee and Lions head coach Rod Marinelli says the injury is similar to the one sustained by CB Stanley Wilson in the Thanksgiving Day loss to Green Bay. Stanley was put on injured reserve. The Lions are hoping the same fate does not await Roy Williams. Luckily, the Lions have a lot of talent at the receiver position (Shaun McDonald, Mike Furrey and Calvin Johnson), but Roy’s shoes will be difficult to fill. And with three of their final four games against playoff-bound teams (Dallas, San Diego and Green Bay), the playoff outlook for Detroit is grim.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Roy Williams Could Miss Rest of Season, Detroit Lions’ Playoff Hopes in Question

Image details: Miami Dolphins v Detroit Lions served by picapp.com

Podcasting the National Football League, Podcasting the NFL

Last season, Detroit Lions WR Mike Furrey was one of the NFL’s best with 98 receptions. It was a storybook season that culminated with a new three-year contract to stay in Detroit. Now with the addition of all-world rookie wideout Calvin Johnson, the Lions are poised to explode as one of the league’s most powerful offenses. As Detroit opened training camp in Allen Park, Michigan, I spoke with Mike about his offseason and his expectations for 2007.

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Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Interview: Mike Furrey