Offense
One thing with this team is sure now, we will no longer be hearing
Joey Harrington's name, except perhaps in condescending fashion. The quarterback position will now be manned by the two-headed, uh, monster that is Josh McCown and Jon Kitna.
It would be best for Detroit if they just give the unquestioned job to Kitna and let him roll with it. I can envision only problems from a week-to-week quarterback situation where neither guy feels comfortable.
Whomever throws, the receptions will be made by the biggest group of enigmas in the NFL. Roy Williams shows flashes of dominance but drops too many easy balls and had a disappointing season. Charles Rogers was once upon a time the No. 2 overall pick and considered a can't miss prospect. He can now add a drug problem to his litany. It has gotten to the point that very little can be expected of him.
Mike Williams entered his rookie year with much hype but quickly showed that he could not get separation and was ineffective much of the year. But he does have promise as a red-zone threat. Running back Kevin Jones should be a star, but he is only as effective as the offensive line can be. This offense has promise, but then again haven't they always?
Defense
The line can be great one series, bad the next. James Hall and Shaun Rogers anchor the line. Rogers has unmatchable size, strength, and agility. When motivated, he makes everyone on the defense better. Hall is an overachiever who gets consistent pressure on the quarterback. Unfortunately DE's Cory Redding and Kalimba Edwards are soft and ineffective. Both have more upside than Hall and can become good rotation pass rushers with more effort.
The linebacking corps is exceptionally fast. Teddy Lehman, Boss Bailey, and rookie Ernie Sims are smallish and have injury histories, but if the trio stays healthy they can make plays all over the field. The secondary has the same questions every year. Dre Bly is solid but everything else is a question mark. They would be smart to attempt to land Ty Law at a reduced price because he could be quite the help back there.
Synopsis
Rod Marinelli's first headline move was to jettison Harrington. They could simply not afford to spend any more time wondering whether Joey was ready to break out. Questions could have been alleviated on draft day but they chose to pass on Matt Leinart. That decision will be looked at under a microscope all year long. Jon Kitna should be a calming force, but his receivers must respond to the leadership he will bring. Even with Kitna, I see a 6-10 or 7-9 record. A playoff push could be had if the offensive line plays great.
That is a long shot.
