Answering some of your Lions email:

Hondo, I've only recently been made aware of your blog and I must say it's quite refreshing to find a Lions beat writer that isn't utterly despondent with the

Hondo,
I've only recently been made aware of your blog and I must say it's quite refreshing to find a Lions beat writer that isn't utterly despondent with the Lions failures this decade.  My question is regarding Drew Stanton. Given his tough play in college and willingness to do whatever is needed (i.e. playing special teams) I can see why Marinelli and Millen would like him. I'm curious, however, about Martz. Is this another situation where Millen has saddled his OC with a QB he didn't want or is Stanton at guy that Martz really wanted? Is he a "Martz guy"? -Christopher
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Hi Christopher!

Thanks for the email.

Martz loves Drew. I actually had some good conversations with him about Drew and I can tell you that contrary to public belief, Drew was their guy the whole way (I reported that by the way the entire time) and had he not been there the Lions would not have picked another QB. Martz loved and wanted Drew and Matt agreed. As far as Millen saddling an OC with a guy he doesn't want, I have no idea what you’re talking about? If you mean Joey, that decision was made above Millen's pay grade.

Hondo
I wish I would have found you sooner, although I'm a new Lions fan over past 5 years, and the fact that I am a UM fan so going to a site called Spartannation was a against my religion. Anyway, your video interviews and articles are top notch and I can just tell the players and coaches like you and feel comfortable and open during the interviews. My question pertains to the new Head Trainer and I would believe new training staff. Do you feel that he and his staff can help to reduce the injuries that decimate the Lions every year? I thought that he could be the best off season move the Lions have made, but I'm wondering if I will have to see history repeat itself once again. I feel the conditioning of the Lions, albeit very poor before Sarge.
Jason
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Hi Jason!

First of all I get the UM vibe a lot from you all. It is a healthy rivalry and with many of us being neighbors or fans of other sports (I.E. Lions) it is fun. Thanks for the kind words. Anyways the Lions were not a poorly conditioned team, they were a horribly conditioned team. That is being addressed and I can tell you that last year the Lions as beaten down as they were, were among the best-conditioned teams in the NFL. I can't give a lot of detail due to the proprietary nature of the NFL but I can tell you that the running and conditioning is incredible. One of our guys who writes for us (Chuck House) will write on the new staff during training camp but the Lions have really worked hard on the non players people to make sure that they are all on the same page. This was a great question and look for Chuck's article in more detail.

Hondo,
For years when the Lions made it near the end zone it was a fade toss to Herman Moore for a TD. Fast forward to the present and for whatever reason they seem to misuse Roy Williams near the end zone. Why not go to him more often seeing how special of a receiver he is? Towards the end of last year they started to toss em up to Roy for far better results but why did it take so long for them to connect the dots. If Kevin Jones is healthy who becomes the go to guy near the end zone...KJ, Roy, Calvin or Duckett? They just might spread the defense and let Kitna rumble for the TD on QB sneaks.... that might be a stretch. I know the situation will dictate most of the time but if you have some insight on what direction they might be looking it would be appreciated.  -Kevin
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Hi Kevin!

I think you will see a lot of Duckett this season but as far as the fades I agree. Remember this. Last year the Lions had virtually no third receiver. In the last third of the season people stopped (triple teaming) Roy in the redzone because people finally learned about Furrey. With CJ, Roy, Mike and Mac I think you will see more of the one on one in the redzone plays that we all love.

Great take.

Hondo
Bell and Foster: have you had an opportunity to sit down with these guys? I was curious as to how they compared the Broncos players, coaches, systems, etc to the Lions. Thanks and keep up the great work! -Joe
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Hello Joe.

I have talked to them both but I actually spent a few minutes extensively on this subject with George. He mentioned how shocked he was at this teams commitment to winning and the workouts when the guys are just hanging in the weight room and conditioning. He told me that he was really surprised but said several of the things were better then in Denver and that he thinks people are going to be as shocked as he was with this teams record next season. He said he couldn't think of "anything" that the Lions could do better then Denver.

Hondo, the one area that still worries me the most is the DB’s. Got a lot riding on young (or at least lacking in starts) guys like Wilson, Smith, and Davis. If Fisher plays well (and he should) and Bryant stays healthy we should be ok, but I still worry about the depth. With Paul Oliver from Georgia declaring for the supplemental draft, is he worth the Lions taking a shot at with a 2nd or 3rd round pick? With all the health issues the secondary has had, sure wouldn’t mind seeing one more big, fast, young DB on the roster. Thanks Jason in Ferndale
Hi Jason. I also worry about the depth and I can tell you this. Oliver is a real intriguing player. I was emailed late last night that said the Lions are panicking and have to have Oliver. I can also tell you that is not anywhere close to the truth. There is no panicking. I can also tell you that if the background and character issues look good, the Lions very well make a run at him. He is a great player no doubt. I can also tell you that they have to look ahead to next years projections and really think about what pick to use in the in the supplemental draft. I have not completed a lengthy check of him (I am talking today at 10 a.m. with someone down there about him off the field) and I am going to have some tape that I ordered delivered today. Next week I will have a better feel for this, but I do know it is safe to assume he is on the radar. I can also tell you that this team is not one player away from a Super Bowl so if after they do all there research they don't pick him, there is a reason. They are looking.

Hondo, how does Donte Curry look? Can he win a backup LB job? Will he only be a special teams guy again this year?
Jason-Infern22
Hi Jason. Donte' is a great guy and is the prototypical Marinelli guy. He is loved and respected by everyone. He is in a battle but I can't see a scenario that he doesn't make this team. He is a teacher and a leader. When his career is over, look for him to be a coach.

Hondo, you reported on two people that I was very concerned about and had not heard a lot about recently: Boss Bailey and Tatum Bell. I remember when we "stole" Boss Bailey in the second round; I hoped he would be star. If he is able to stay healthy he could be a star, but injuries have plagued him in both college and NFL careers. Do you see him staying healthy enough to compete to his potential? I think that good ole' TJ Duckett and Tatum Bell will be the perfect compliment to one another, because TJ is super fast and super powerful, but Tatum Bell is like mercury fast and opponent will have to be weary of both. Kyle
Hi Kyle.
I really see Boss staying healthy. There was a question a few up from here where someone talked about the new health staff. They are really working hard with him and I even talked with him about it yesterday. I really see him and Teddy being healthy this season and that is huge for the Lions. Great take on the RB's.
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Hondo, 1. Any news on Brian Calhoun? 2. If Mulatilo and Peterman are the OG's does Woody get cut or restructured? Steve

Hello Steve. 1. I don't see him on this team this season. He has to make a decision about football being his passion. He may make the PUP list or IR however. I see those two options as the only way he stays a Lion. 2. I think that Woody is on the way out. Barring a collapse or an injury I don't see him with this team next season. He hasn't been cut yet because he is an insurance policy against injury but in the end, you will probably see him elsewhere.

Here is a question for you Hondo: Do you stand by your 9-7 prediction for the lions, or do you think more or less wins? Jason, Farmington Hills
I stand by that prediction. Give or take a win either way but that is what I felt. Remember also that it was made before people saw all the mini camps. I read someone’s pick yesterday who predicted 10-6 and what was funny was when I made my predictions he called me an idiot for saying anything above 6.Â

Hondo, Are the Lions trying to clone Tampa's backfield with Alstott and Duckett? Both fast, physical and strong RB's. I don't think Lions fans care as long they see some improvement and W's this season. Keep up the awesome Lion's coverage Hondo. -Mark
Hi Mark. I agree that the Bell/Duckett reference is really interesting. I can tell you that they didn't set out to do that but it is a good thought process. With the Lions rushing offense being so bad last year, I am really excited to see it this season. The thing I love the most is that these guys don't care who gets the stats, they just want to win baby. Being around this team I can tell you that it is very refreshing to see a Lions team that is holding themselves accountable and committed to the team.

Hondo, I'm wondering how you see the TE position shaking out. After Campbell (who I'm a huge fan of) & Beverly, they've got FitzSimmons & McHugh, plus I remember you saying they liked Sylvan from Ohio U. How many of these guys do you see them carrying?Also, what do they have planned for Marcus Robinson? I don't see where he fits in. The top 4 WRs seem to be set and I would imagine that they'd probably want the #5 guy to be a significant contributor on special teams as a KR or otherwise, which I don't see Robinson doing. Is he just insurance, or does he have a legit shot of making the team?

I also would like to know about a couple of younger players who missed significant time with injury last year: Brian Calhoun and Shaun Cody. How is their health and what will be expected of each of them this season? -Greg
Hi Greg!

Wow you are chatty? As far as the TE's you will see Campbell and Beverly with the TE title. You will also see Casey and McHugh as the two FB’s, which in the Martz system are simply highbred TE's. Sylvan will be a practice squad guy who they really like. Let me tell you that Sylvan is a name to remember in the future. I don't see Marcus making this team. The got him before CJ and he is more of an insurance policy. I mentioned Calhoun earlier but Cody looks great and will have a nice season. There were some Vets with attitude issues that didn't help Cody. He is a great kid and will fine. Go back and check out my sit down interview with Shaun back in the videos section.

Hey Hondo first off I really liked the interview with Millen. You could definitely see the vision in his draft picks. Just a quick question for you this time. How is Ramzee Robinson doing? I really didn't expect much from him although I liked his attitude. I was just wondering how he was stacking up with the other corners. Thank you. Take care. -John
Hi John,

Ramzee has a shot but it is a long shot. I would say that his want to will have to come out. He has the drive and may make the practice squad. I think he can play in this league, I just don't know if it is this year.

Thanks to all of you. I got so many emails from all over and if yours didn't get answered with one of these, then you will hear your answer directly from me via email in the next 24 hours.