Hondo Answer's Some of your Email!

Hondo,
What do you think was the biggest development that came out of the Lions yesterday while you were there?
Chris
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Hi Chris.
For the first time, the Lions didn’t anoint Kitna the #1 QB. In fact, check out this quote from new OC Colletto: “Well, at this point, he’s just part of the squad and he’s a valuable player on the team and, like all the other players are. We’re going to go into OTA's and training camp and let it all sort itself out.” That says it all Chris. I think Kitna will be the starter when the season starts, but this shows you that Kitna’s days of having Martz total support are DONE!
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Hondo,
Any idea what the coaches (Kippy and Colletto) think of Orlovsky?

Matt

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Coach Colletto talked about him and really likes him Matt. I like him also and Colletto talked a lot about him. I think he will be back and the consensus is that J.T. O’Sullivan is gone.

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Hondo
I love T.J. and I know he is your friend. Does he want to come back? Do the Lions want him back? Do you think he will be back?
Mark

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Hi Mark!
I have talked with both T.J. and Coach Marinelli. T.J. wants to be back, Marinelli wants him back (so does Colletto) and yes, I think he will be back with a two-year deal.

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Hey Hondo,
CB & MLB are huge issues on defense. But with the emphasis on the pass rush by the front 4 in the cover 2 scheme, will acquiring another pass-rushing DE to play opposite of D. White be a high priority for improving the defense?
Greg
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Hey Greg!
The Lions three biggest needs (in this order) are 1) DE 2) CB 3) MLB. They will make addressing the other DE a TOP PRIORITY!
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Hondo
What are the main upgrades in players they are looking for in FA for starters?Â
Gary

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Hi Gary.Â
I asked Marinelli about this today, and although they certainly know where they have to upgrade, they are still evaluating players via the draft and free agency. I could throw names out, but that would be speculation at this point. They will look at all needs. Sign the FA’s that they have and want to keep, and then decide to address a need via draft or free agent first. I know that isn’t a real answer, but it is an honest assessment of the process at this point.
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Hondo
Will Rod and Co will be hiring another QB coach?
Jeff
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Yes Jeff. They will be hiring a QB Coach. Colletto confirmed that today. They are going to really look around and they all just got back today. So we shall see how that develops.

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Hondo,
How would you rate the current group on the O-Line?Â
Carmine
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Hi Carmine,
I don’t think they are the best in the NFL, but they are not as bad as you would think. Martz continued to put them in bad spots with 7-step drops. They have to address some issues, but I agree with the staff that they are not as bad as people think. Yes there are issues, but it certainly isn’t the most pressing need. The top three listed above are. They have to get players on D.
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Hondo
Do you still think Shaun Rogers is gone?
Stan
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Yes Stan, I do. Marinelli and I talked about this today when I mentioned about how he influenced Simeon Rice. The ONLY complaint I have heard from players about Marinelli is his handling of Rogers. It is my opinion based upon talking to them is that Marinelli has no other option. These players have bought into him, and he can’t risk losing them for keeping Rogers.

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Hondo
Why don’t the Lions trade Rogers?
Brent
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Who would take him with strikes already against him for his troubles with the NFL? Who would pick up that salary for an unmotivated DT?

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Hondo
You are the most pro Lions member of the media. I heard you on Pat Caputo’s radio show and I know that you got dogged for your faith in them. Do you really trust in Marinelli that much? Seven wins is an improvement, do you see it continuing?
Clark
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Thanks for the kind words Clark. I can tell you that I do get some ribbing from my colleagues for my faith in Marinelli and I believe in him 100%. This team was much improved. If the D gets addressed they will be better, and I love Colletto and Brown. One NFL person from a successful franchise told me that Kippy was, “A mirror image of Rod’s intensity, with an offensive mind.” The Players love them both and there will be no learning curve because the system is essentially the same, but adding audibles and running.
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O.K. everyone.
Thanks for all the email. I am sorry I can’t address them all, but I am very thankful for all of them.
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GO Lions!
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H