Lions Thump Bears And Give The Fans Hope That Things Are Changing!

October 28, 2007

Chicago Illinois

Soldier Field

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Coming into today’s game the Lions were on a journey. After playing their best game of the season the week before, could they not only maintain consistency but also do it on the road against an improving divisional foe?

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Well the Lions came into Soldier Field today and dominated from the opening kickoff. The Lions controlled virtually every facet of the game. Martz’s offense had its best game of the season, albeit not in the statistical category.

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The Lions showed balance and poise, and they also showed the rest of the NFL how great Kevin Jones can be as a featured back. Jones ran for 105 yards on a 23 carries and 1 TD. Kitna had what I believe was his best game, again not statistically. I got an immense amount of grief from some of you people early in the season when I was very critical of the Lions after some victories because they didn’t show what they had today.

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Today the Lions showed what good teams do. They had solid special teams play (yes I know what Hester did, but he is Hester) and they got a lead and were able to run the ball. They didn’t kill themselves with stupid penalties and Kitna not only avoided penalties, but also on more than one occasion he simply threw balls away rather than make bad passes or take dumb sacks. The defense was sound and fundamentally solid and created turnovers. As I always do when I look at a football game, I looked at turnovers and penalties. The Lions had 4 interceptions (one for each of their starting DB’s) and they only gave up the rock once. More impressive than just one turnover was that they had only five penalties for 32-yards.

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All of you that called me nuts for my pre-season prediction of 9 wins better watch out. This team is on the way. Now Marinelli stressed recently that this team could be elite, and although I think they could be they aren’t and won’t be this season. They are a very good football team, but elite is reserved for teams like Indy and New England that have no flaws. This team is not flawless, but they are doing what good teams do to win in the NFL.

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Dewayne White proved why he was the best free agent signing in the NFL this off-season by getting yet another sack and being a fixture in Da Bears backfield all day. The entire defense played exceptional today and that included the DB’s that held the red hot Bears passing attack off kilter all day. “It’s amazing how well you can play when you’re healthy, “ was an excited Fernando Bryant’s reaction to me in the locker room. “I just really can’t say enough about this team, and about what we are about and doing. I appreciate the accolades about being the best free agent signing, but truly, truly the credit goes to these guys on the D,” was White’s reaction.

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“I think the NFL has to take notice. It’s us and the Dallas Cowboys and the Giants all fighting to be number one in the NFC,” was the way Roy Williams described his jubilation after the game.

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At the end of the game, Jon Kitna was asked about if the Packers lose on Monday night his reactions might be because the Lions would be in first place. He quickly dismissed the question by saying, “It is way to early in the season to talk about that,” and he walked away.

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No it isn’t Jon. Your Lions are not elite, but if they can maintain what they have done the last two weeks they are very good and that is the tangible evidence a starved fan base has craved. It all starts with Kitna. He hasn’t had a turnover in two weeks and has been masterful not holding the ball and throwing it away in that span.

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No one wanted to talk on the record about facing locker room nemesis Dre’ Bly next week. I will. I want to see this team show him a thing or two about what a team can do. I am not a T.O. fan, but get excited Lions fans and get your popcorn for next week. Now that should be a show!