Michael Vick: Detroit Lion?

If ESPN reports are true, Michael Vick will be free to sign with any NFL team in the coming days.

Even if they are not true, it seems that Commissioner Goodell’s best option is to conditionally reinstate Vick to allow him to join training camp. It’s really a win-win. The NFL gets a boost of publicity (good and bad.)

Vick gets back the only job he’s really qualified for, and a second chance.

The only question is where.

Jacksonville has been mentioned…and denied. Oakland has been mentioned only because they surely must question JaMarcus Russell as a starter. Additionally, they don’t have qualms about character flaws.

What about Detroit?

Let’s lay this out there. I don’t want to debate the merits of Vick’s rehabilitation. I don’t want to anger the PETA fans out there. I love dogs as much as the next person.

What Vick did was wrong. Period.

But second chances happen every day. Whether you believe he deserves one or not, for all intents and purposes, he’s coming back. 

Why not Detroit?

 

 

Michael Vick will energize the fanbase

 

I chose my words carefully.

I’m sure any team who signs Vick will find angry letters on their doorstep the next day, emails from season ticket holders wanting refunds, and a few “grass roots movements” to boycott.

Energize can be for the better or for the worse. After 0-16, any energy is better than a complete lack thereof.

In Detroit, I believe the negative energy will be less. Perhaps I’m wrong—I can admit that possibility. I think Detroit needs a comeback story.

 

 

Nowhere to go but up

 

No one in the NFL has fallen farther than Vick and has such opportunity to get back up.

Kinda like Detroit.

No team as ever had to come back from 0-16. It is one of the rarest feats in sports.

Another rare feat is coming back from a felony conviction and subsequent jail time, at nearly 30-years old.

If Detroit and Vick are going to both rise from the depths, why not do it together?

In Detroit, there is no pressure to be successful in 2009. In Detroit, no one has to be “the man.” It is a team still searching for its identity.

If Vick and Detroit fall together? No one will hear it.

Does that mean it won’t make a noise?

 

 

Schwartz/Linehan/Cunningham

On a team searching for a personality, three of the strongest personalities are the coaching staff.

Schwartz has shown himself to be more than the “stat nerd” fans anticiapted. Cunningham is renown for his boisterous attitude. Most importantly, Scott Linehan is a coaches’ coach—not a players’ coach

If Linehan stood up to Steven Jackson and Marc Bulger, why would he give a longer leash to Michael Vick?

Vick wouldn’t need to be a leader and would need to acclimate quickly to the team concept.

As coaches, Schwartz and Linehan are among the most fundamentally sound and creative men in the league. For years, Vick was a square peg in the round hole of the West Coast Offense.

 

 

Rookie QB’s need help

What kind of role would Vick have on the Lions?

In the end, this is still Matthew Stafford’s team as soon as possible. Michael Vick could not, and should not change that.

However, what is the one thing all rookie QBs have in common? Vanilla offenses.

Picture this.

First, Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton become irrelevant. Any money saved on getting rid of them could be used for Vick.

Second, Matthew Stafford is given the keys to the team, today. Give him 25-50 percent of the playbook to perfect—like most rookies.

Finally, commit a portion of your playbook primarily to Michael Vick. Give Linehan the opportunity to design wildcat or spread attacks which play to Vick’s strengths.

Vick could easily take up to 15 snaps a game and be on the field as a decoy for even more.

This allows Stafford to step into a role right away. It also guards him from needing to do too much too soon. Most importantly, it gives the Lions a better chance to be competitive and (even better) watchable.

 

 

Future Trade Bait

Worst case scenario? Infighting and failure by both Vick and Stafford—leaving the Lions with two prima donnas they have commitments to and no viable option at QB. 

Best case scenario? Two extremely successful QBs and an inventive offense which is fun to watch and equally as unstoppable.

Remember, it’s still Stafford’s team. In two or three years, he can’t be splitting time at QB.

At that point, if the Vick experiment has failed, the Lions can cut bait. If Vick has succeeded, he would be a valuable trading commodity.

 

 

Conclusion

This is a low risk, low reward solution to a few of Detroit’s nagging questions.

From a business standpoint, I cannot fathom any blackouts with a team having Michael Vick run the wildcat/spread offense.

On talent, Vick is still a very physically gifted individual. This coaching staff can get something out of him.

What do you think? Comment below and vote in the poll!

The Schottey Six: Which NFL Rookies Will Disappoint In ’09?

Vernon Gholston…came into the 2008 Draft a lot of hype and had a 2008 season followed by a lot of fizzle.

Some guys want to be famous and end up infamous.

Let’s get one thing straight. I am not saying the young men on this list will be “busts.” I am not saying they will be out of the league in a few years. I don’t pretend to look into the future, I just predict.

However, what I can do, is cut through the hype.

Here are six guys who I predict to have tough transitions to the NFL.

Some of these guys could have decent years, but not as great as their fans may hope.

The Schottey Six: Which Rookies Will Have the Most Impact in ’09

So your team got a boatload of new talent did they?

If you’re like the rest of fans in this world. You’ve been subjected to the hype machine that is your favorite teams’ media department. It happens. Each new player is the “next great…”

For a few players, it’s true. For many player, its just a lot of hype.

First: a little honesty. Earlier this offseason, I wrote a top 10 as one of my first articles (scandalous I know). If you were one of the 2000+ people who read that, I would encourage you to read on.

This will be more than just paring down that article. It will be a revision and an update.

As training camp nears, which rookies can you count on to have an impact in 2010?

Read on.

Great Expectations: What We Can Expect From The Lions’ Rookies in ’09

“Now, I return to this young fellow. And the communication I have got to make is, that he has great expectations.”—Charles Dickens

Each season in the NFL, fans of most teams reasonably look forward to making the playoffs. For fans of around 10-12 teams, hope can glimmer, but they’ve learned to look forward to another event: the NFL Draft.

For Lions fans, it’s an obsession bordering on extreme. Lions’ fans are always among the most knowledgeable in the game when it comes to prospects.

Ironic, because for years, the Lions have been the worst franchise when it comes to picking young talent.

I’m certain that the average Lions’ fan/message board addict could have acquired better talent than Matt Millen in the past decade.

Yet, post-draft, the general feeling has always been mixed. This year is no different. You have your glass-half-full fan base—led by superfan and MLive.com beat reporter, Tom Kowalski.

You also get the jaded and burnt crowd, to whom every lineman is Aaron Gibson, and every skill player is Mike Williams.

In my first “featured” column here on Bleacher Report, let’s cut through the hype and the hate and give reasonable expectations for this year’s rookie hall heading into training camp.

Matthew Stafford:

Reports out of Allen Park are all grins and smiles about the million-dollar baby. Each of you probably knows that I’m not Stafford’s biggest fan, so take this how you will, but curb your enthusiasm Lions fans.

We knew Stafford would look good in shorts. He has more physical tools than any QB we’ve seen in recent history. The “look” test is his specialty. We’ll learn more about Stafford in the first day the red jersey comes off that we have to that point.

Yet, even I will say this. Stafford will certainly see the field, barring injury, in ’09. Daunte Culpepper would have to do quite a bit to hold him off (including, but not limited to: leading the Lions’ to the playoffs, curing cancer, and establishing a viable colony on the moon)

Brandon Pettigrew

For my money, no Lions rookie will match the impact of Brandon Pettigrew. At this point, Pettigrew is on the fast track to starting and should see significant looks regardless of the QB.

His biggest impact will be in the running game, where he will team in 2-TE sets with another recent acquisition, Will Heller. At that point, the Lions will essentially be using seven linemen. Even more of note—Heller and Pettigrew could be the best run blockers on the team.

Short-yardage situations will be where Pettigrew earns his money, and he should excel. Look for Pettigrew to earn the starting nod or play starter’s minutes. If you’re not a fan of his now, you probably will be soon.

Louis Delmas

Reports out of training camp have Delmas as a talented defensive player, a leader, and possible demigod who took time out of his schedule to give his teammates a tour of Mt. Olympus.

So if you, as a fan, expect a lot out of Delmas, I understand.

But if he doesn’t have double digit INTs or slay any hydras, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Delmas should start. But remember, the NFC North is not the MAC. He will go through the normal rookie growing pains and could look rather foolish at points, especially if he gambles on plays against quicker receivers.

Delmas won’t face a lot of competition in the strictest sense of the word, but could find himself in a heavy rotation at safety with Marquand Manuel and Daniel Bullocks. If any of those guys fail, Anthony Henry will be moved over.

DeAndre Levy

Levy joins a LB squad that was already crowded before adding Larry Foote.

As of right now, it sounds as if a four man LB rotation will be used for most of the game: Sims, Foote, Peterson, and Dizon (as a nickel linebacker). Levy can look forward to spot duty along with the other young LB prospects.

This staff is high on Levy. But until Levy wins a starting nod, he will have to make hay with spot duty and on special teams. Still, having a rookie to back up numerous positions and play special teams at a high level is a great asset the Lions have not had.

Before the Foote signing, the Lions’ contingency plan was to start Levy at MLB, so he’ll see major playing time if any LB goes down to injury. He’ll have an impact, but it will probably not be noticeable to fans.

Derrick Williams

Williams is the one player who isn’t receiving glowing reviews out of Allen Park. However, that’s because he’s currently battling a sore hamstring. If Williams were healthy, we could be sure that the Lions’ media department would be photoshopping halos above his practice photos.

Williams is behind the eight ball. Shorts and shirts practice is the perfect time to get reps catching kicks and punts without much pressure.

If DW can get and stay healthy, he’ll find himself a valuable and versatile special teamer and may see a few snaps each game on offense.

 

If not, Lions’ fans can have the distinct pleasure of watching Aveion Cason for one more season.

The Rest:

Sammie Lee Hill: My thoughts on Sammie Lee Hill can be found here. In short, he may be forced into playing time with Grady Jackson’s suspension. If he makes the most of it, he could be the best mid-round pick Lions fans have seen in a long time.

Aaron Brown: He’s in competition to make the third RB spot. He’ll need to show versatility and promise to make the squad.

Lydon Murtha: He joins a team that just signed Jon Jansen, Toniu Fonoti, and Daniel Loper. With the age across the line for the Lions, Murtha could find himself with a final roster spot. More than likely, he could end up on the practice squad.

Zack Follett: A special teamer through and through, he should make the squad and be groomed as an eventual LB successor.

Dan Gronkowski: He’s more like an extra tackle than a TE. He and Fitzsimmons can’t both make the roster, and Gronkowski has more upside. If Fitzsimmons makes the roster as predicted, Gronkowski will find himself on the practice squad or on waivers.

Ryan Kees: This small school project looks as much like a DE as Stafford looks like a QB. He’ll be given every chance to win a spot on the roster or practice squad.

John Gill: The defensive line is so thin, the Lions can’t give away talented 300 pounders.

Antone Smith: Talented but slight, Smith will need to be at his best to be the extra running back. Adding 10lbs would go a long way.

 

The Schottey Six: Top Prospects for 2010 NFL Draft

Welcome back to everyone’s favorite list! The Schottey Six!

Today, we will take a look at the 2010 NFL draft and six of its top prospects. This article (as with all of my draft related articles) is done in conjunction with DraftTek.com.

The DraftTek big board lists the top six players as: Taylor Mays, Russel Okung, Ndamukong Suh, Sam Bradford, and Jermaine Gresham.

The Schottey Six will provide a dissenting view and hopefully all of you will chime in with your own opinions.

The Schottey Six: The NFL’s Most Underrated Players

How does an NFL player qualify as underrated?

In a way, it’s always a misnomer. Paid millions to play a game, simply because they play it well. To many normal folks, it doesn’t seem fair.

Monopoly geniuses don’t get millions. Even Bobby Fischer went bankrupt.

So how does an NFL player become underrated?

Example: Fred Taylor. Before 2007, he wasn’t regarded as of the best running backs in the league. In fact, he wasn’t regarded at all. He flew under the radar in Jacksonville, quietly amassing rushing yards which placed him in the top-20 all time in the NFL.

In 2007, he broke out, making the All-pro team and his first Pro Bowl.

No longer underrated? He was jettisoned in favor of the younger and more powerful Maurice Jones Drew, now he’s with the Patriots—not exactly the best place for a runner. As with the first overrates, our cover boy isn’t a part of this list.

Players become underrated when fans and executives don’t understand their contributions. Certain positions strive for underrating. Other players exceed in a glamor position in a way that doesn’t draw the limelight.

These are the six most underrated players in the NFL.

Jeremy Shockey Released After Being Found Unconscious and Rushed to Hospital

TMZ.com is reporting that Jeremy Shockey was found unconscious at around 2 PM while attending a pool party at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas.

Shockey was covered up by paramedics but was identified to the press by those who found him.

Shockey was removed from the party by stretcher and transported to a local hospital.

Shockey has been a known party animal since his days at the University of Miami and later in New York but he is not in the league’s substance abuse program. Details of his condition are not known at this time or if they are substance related.

EDIT @ 8:37 EST Chris Mortensen is reporting that Shockey suffered from a “bout of dehydration” and has been released.

The Schottey Six: The NFL’s Most Overrated Players

I admit, its the Lions fan in me. But that man, Brett Favre, is overrated. He’s not actually included in the list so we’ll get this out of the way.

1st: I know he has the touchdown record and a bunch of other nice records to boot. However, he also has the interception record and the pass attempts record. No one threw at the volume he did. At one time, he was the best QB in the league. That time is not now.

2nd: He’s good, I’m not saying he’s not. But no one could live up to the hype machine generated by two retirements, Bus Cook, and John Madden.

Now that I’ve angered the fans of at least two NFL cities. Let us get going with the actual list of the NFLs most overrated players.

Cory Schlesinger Interview: Loving Life After Football

Note: This is an interview which was done by phone with former Lions fullback, Cory Schlesinger. It was originally supposed to be conducted via MLive.com, but due to schedule conflicts, could not be completed by the CBS deadline. If MLive.com is willing, another interview is in the works after Allen Park High School completes its school year.

As a fullback, Cory Schlesinger made a living out of making life easier for others. Whether it was opening holes for Lions’ running backs or pass protecting for rookie quarterbacks, Schlesginger didn’t thrive on attention, he thrived on accomplishment.

No surprise he’s now entered a profession that gets even less recongition—teaching.

Teaching Computer Science at Allen Park

According to Allen Park Vice Principal, Mike Darga, he and Schlesinger met in the right place at the right time.

Cory was attending an Athletic Boosters fundraiser for Allen Park High School…he had expressed an interest to teach. At that time Allen Park Public Schools was looking for a Drafting / CAD teacher. Cory was offered the position pending certification requirements for the state of Michigan. 

Teaching is nothing new for Schlesinger. He spent parts of offseasons from 1995-1999 student teaching in Nebraska at both the high school and collegiate levels.

Computer science is a far cry from laying out middle linebackers and his vice principal jokingly said talked about his worries:

I’m the guy who would have to tell him about a parent complaint…and here I’m standing in front of a guy who used to run over people while breaking face masks for a living.

In all honesty, Cory is a very mild mannered individual who takes his position and role very seriously here at the high school.

Schlesinger told me his celebrity was a little distracting when he first started teaching, but now that the year is almost over, kids taking his class know to expect a real classroom with a real teacher.

Schlesinger decided to focus on teaching in his first year and decline any coaching responsibilities at Allen Park. He is however, handling a school wide strength and conditioning program, working with young men and women from every sport.

Life After Football

The life of a teacher doesn’t provide a good deal of free time. When Schlesinger does have a free moment, he’ll probably spend it for someone else.

At home, his two little girls—ages nine and 11—deserve a lot of attention. School projects, homework, and family life take up a lot of Schlesinger’s day. Natalie and Leah know Cory as a loving father who builds sets at school or participates in any fundraiser available—using his recognition for others. 

It’s not the only fund raising he does. Schlesinger participates with the Lions organization in a Michigan-wide charity basketball program raising money for whatever the situation calls for. So far, Schlesinger has helped Police and Fire departments and many schools throughout the state.

When he has a moment to himself, the muscle car fanatic will probably be in his garage, working on his 1966 GTO.

He loves teaching, but may find himself coaching in the future. After spending most of his career also doing a sports radio show, he would love to be in-studio for a local TV station doing pregame or postgame work. He’s open to just about anything.

(Note to Detroit area television producers: look into that.)

Looking Back

Schlesinger describes the end of his career in this way:

“My career ended with me finishing my contract. No bitterness, I played 12 years with a great organization.”

Schlesinger does his best to stay in touch with the organization. He’s a regular at charity events and draft day parties (missed this year with a school activity). He also stays in touch with current players like Casey Fitzsimmons, Jason Hanson, Nick Harris, and Don Muhlbach.

He also stays in contact with former Lions Stephen Boyd and Luther Ellis.

He misses the camaraderie—sitting around the locker room after a practice or game, but admits it was a lot different as an older player being a decade older than most of your teammates.

“One of the best parts was watching all those young guys grow up.”

Of course, the No. 1 thing he misses about the game?

“Contact.”

Schlesinger reminisced about breaking face masks. He doesn’t have an exact count, but knows it was around 20 a season—about one a game including preseason, with a few from training camps.

“You think about all the big hits, but for some reasons it was usually the glancing blows which did the most damage”

On the Current Lions

“The great thing about the Ford family is that they provided a great facility—to practice and to play. It’s up to the team to win for him. Not just the Fords but the whole state of Michigan has been outstanding. I don’t know of a team that has had records like the Lions and that kind of support is still there”

Schlesinger doesn’t want to pin 0-16 on any one particular thing. It was more of a perfect storm leading to the most imperfect season in history.

Types of offense, types of defense, bad decisions on a whole lot of levels, coaches, players…etc.

He remains optimistic.

“I think now they’re doing a lot of the right things to put together a winning football team. They’re on the right track”

In the great debate about Matthew Stafford, Schlesinger doesn’t mince words.

“I think if you’re the number one draft pick, you should be ready to start right now and win. I’ve never been a big fan of the draft, and maybe it’s just jealousy, but you get these kids who get paid all kinds of money…”

Schlesinger likes the looks of the rest of the draft class and thinks the building blocks are in place for a good future. He’s not going to predict anything though,

“I’m not going to do that, let’s put it this way though. They’ll be better than last year.”

The author would like to thank Cory Schlesinger and Mike Darga for their support in this interview. A special thanks also goes out to Phillip Zaroo of MLive.com who dealt with a college student and high school teacher’s schedules and still doesn’t have any audio to show for it.

The Schottey Six: Top NFL Defenses for 2009

Defense wins championships.

It’s a fact of life–football IS life–that has its exceptions but very few. As much a team needs a franchise quarterback, most teams fail unless they’ve put a face to their defense as well.

So, as the Schottey Six has taken care of offenses, now we will look at the people designed to stop those high powered scoring units.

Take a quick glance back at the offensive list. I can envision two or three of those teams missing the playoffs. This list? If these teams live up to defensive expectations, none of them should have any problems seeing the post season.

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