Hondo answers some of your Lions email!
Hondo
There is also a lot of talk about how bad of a decision it was to trade Dre’ Bly. I know you disagree please explain why?
Troy - Charlotte
Hi Troy! Letting Dre' go was not only a great move, it was necessary for Marinelli to be able to show everyone that no one was above the team. Although I liked Dre' personally and he was nothing less then gracious and good to me, he was not exactly shall we say the consummate teammate. That move had to happen and I would have made it myself. It was a message to everyone and the team leaders supported it also. Attitude is everything and Dre's didn't fit.
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Hondo, I would like to know the status of Jonathan Scott, and George Foster. How is Foster adjusting to the new offense and team? I have heard good reports on him but do you think he could be someone to sign long-term at RT. Now on Scott, do you feel that he could be a LT of the future? Thank you. Jason
Hi Jason! First of all right now it is all without pads so any reports have to be guarded with that. Foster looks fine. I can tell you that in talking with a friend that I have that plays on the Broncos he thinks that he suffered in Denver because he had a lot of Stockar McDougle's work ethics, which as you know was the former Lions tackle. Anyways what I have seen has been good but I want to see some things for myself when the pads come on. Jon looks very good and he told me that he is 100%. The Lions like him a lot and ideally it would wonderful to see him step up and win the RT spot. I am going to be putting a lot of focus on the O line this training camp so I think it will be interesting to watch develop. Ideally they would love to not have to resign George because Jon played so well. That will be a lot of fun to watch.
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Hondo, I was just curious how the safeties our looking. I know you've mentioned that Daniel has looked very good out there. How are Kenoy and Gerald doing in comparison to Daniel? I hope their doing well because I think we can have a top-notch group of safeties this year. Thank you. Have a great day. Jason
Hi Jason! First of all I think that this could be the best group of safeties that the Lions have had in a long time. I have more concerns about the CB position then here. I know that other teams tried to trade up and get Alexander from us after we picked him so that is a good sign. Ideally it would be nice to work Gerald in to the system and then see him maybe step up and take Kenoy's place. That is not because Kenoy lacks talent (he doesn't) but it is because of his age. I am not as concerned and I admit that my attitude is tempered because I have been at practice. Daniel has really looked good.
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Hondo, last year the O line couldn't stop an old lady in a wheelchair. We've heard lots of good things about Peterson and a rejuvenated Backus. What is the O line going to look like this year? Who are going to be the 5 starters? Thanks, Brad, Charlotte, NC
Hi Brad! I assume you meant Peterman and he has me really excited. I still have a lot of issues with Jeff. I have not seen him perform like an elite LT in this league. He now is paid as one of the top three and until I can see him perform at a high level I still will have lots of issues and questions. The Lions saw something to pay him what they did (they overpaid) so lets hope he shows it this season. Obviously you have injury issues and a lot can happen when you put the pads on but as of right now the starters are Backus and Foster at the tackle, Big Ed and Peterman at the Guards and of course Dom at the C.
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Hondo, I was sitting around thinking about the Lions and started to wonder about something. Has T.J. Duckett ever tried playing middle linebacker? He's scary large and fast, so it seems like he would make an ideal fit, with some coaching. Am I crazy or does this make sense? Thanks, Kyle
Hi Kyle!
He was a LB in high school here in Kalamazoo, MI. He has all of those skills and was very heavily recruited. I assume you didn't see a lot of him then or in high school but here is an interesting fact. He wears offensive lineman pads and is built like he is. He crushes people. Ernest Byner said it best when he told the Lions that he has a LB mentality in O lineman pads with a RB's job. It will be fun for you to watch.
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Hi Hondo,
With all the talk of Woody, Peterman, Mulitalo, and Ramirez at guard where does Frank Davis fit in? The Coaches seemed real high on him last year even though he was quite raw. Does he have a shot? Joe
Hi Joe! Davis is real good young player who when he got in last season impressed these coaches. He is going to make this team. I am not real sure what you meant about all the talk with Woody. He has a bad work ethic and has looked horrendous this off-season. He has lost 38 pounds but I have lost 78? Frank will make this team and has a real future. Losing weight may be good on one’s heart but if doesn’t give you one. Woody has never shown me a heart of a man that loves the game. Watch Dom and Woody play on tape and you will see what I mean.
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Hey Hondo, how has Kalimba Edwards looked at the OTA's? From what I've read, Rod seems to still believe strongly in him as a pass-rusher. Do you think he can ever be a solid every-down DE, though? Thanks as always, Greg
Hi Greg! Do I think he can? He has to tools. You are right that Rod believes in him. I like Kalimba but he has to show me. He hasn't. If you are a new reader you may not know this but when the Lions resigned him I was VERY critical of that move. In fact I was the single most critical member of the media. I still think the Lions made a mistake but I would love to be proved wrong. If this is any consolation he has looked very good this off-season and I certainly would love to write one day that I was wrong. As of now I have been right on. I would suggest you look back in the archives for an article I wrote about 5 Lions that have to roar this season.
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Hi Hondo! There are many fans that LOVE the lions, just like you do Hondo. I think it is such a shame, that sense they have moved to Allen Park, they have basically "isolated" the common fan from watching and enjoying a lions practice like you get to do. I remember going to 3 or 4 Lions practices up in Saginaw every year when they were up there. Opening up this Fridays practice is a good start. Do you think there is anyway? They lions would consider installing some bleachers at the Allen Park facility? Even if they only could get 500 or 1000 people at a time. You could have a lottery (not charge) and let the common fan get to see them again. In Saginaw we used to have some HUGE crowds just to watch the lions in Training Camp. And I really think this has affected many fans. In a negative way. NOT being given the chance to watch a practice. Thanks for your time. Charles
Hello Charles! I couldn't have written this better. I love the Lions and I have a very good relationship with those that lead the Lions. It doesn't change my thoughts that it is atrocious that the fans do not get better access to this team. The loyalty of this fan base has not been "shown the love" that they have given. It bothers me. I know that those in charge do care, but they just don't get it in my opinion. If I could change one thing it would be that they look at the records and the crowds that have stayed faithful and finally the fans get the love they have EARNED. The Lions are truly doing something special and it is a joke that rather then showing it and giving hope, they are hidden away. I will have a lot more on this later in the summer as I see something’s I can't talk about now develop. Trust me that this isn't a dead issue with me and with all of you that read this site, and watch I have my eye on it and may have some very interesting thoughts.
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Hondo, Which TE (Campbell or Fitzsimmons) do you see being the best option and having the best season in the receiving game this year? Campbell had a great year last season but I've been hearing rave reviews on Fitz's ability early on this off-season. Is this the year barring injury that his talent is put to use on the field as receiver and causes the mismatches we know he can? Keep up the great work Hondo! Kevin
Hi Kevin! First of all Casey is no longer a TE, he is a full back. I think Campbell if healthy will because he will be on the field more then Casey. When Casey is in there it will be a lot of fun!
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Hondo, the 'skilled' position players are getting most of the attention, but how happy is the staff with the O-line and are the Lions using a zone-blocking scheme again? Thanks, David (JAFO from LionsUnderground.org)Â
Hi David! The staff is really excited about this line. I have concerns about the tackles. Backus because he is Backus and has yet to perform at the level that he is paid. I also have concerns with Foster simply because I haven't seen him perform with pads on. As far as the three interior spots they are thrilled!
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Hondo, What do you see happening with our stable of 19 RB's? KJ (if healthy), Bell, and TJ are the apparent locks to stay on the team. but what do you think about Bryson and Calhoun's future with the Lions? Mike (Abner from Lions-Fans.com)
Hi Mike! If KJ is healthy I think you hit the nail on the head. Calhoun will make this team MAYBE as a PUP or IR guy. I think Bryson would make it possibly if they kept four RB's but then he would have to battle Cason for that spot (and that is only if they carried four) so I think he has an uphill battle.
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Thanks to all of you. We received over 300 emails. If yours wasn't answered here, you will get an email answering your question in the next 24 hours. Without all of you I don't have a job so thanks so much for your loyalty!
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