Delusional in Detroit
I realize it's June, which mean everyone in the NFL is on vacation, but when the home baseball team is 15 games out, you just can't help yourself.
Have you been hearing what's been coming out of Detroit?
Lions quarterback Jon Kitna said on a radio show that he thought his club would win 10 games this season -- but then he saw the schedule and he thinks, well, heck, at least 10.
Then Lions wide receiver Mike Furrey rushed into the public discussion and agreed with his quarterback, saying they can win 10, 12 games. And I'm sitting here thinking maybe they're talking about the CFL's British Columbia Lions, who really are pretty good.
Now, I don't blame anyone for being optimistic about their team but whatever flavor that Kool-Aid happens to be that Lions coach Rod Marinelli is passing out, it seems to contain hallucinogens.
A little history. The boys in Honolulu Blue were 3-13 last year and have six straight years of not just losing seasons but double-digit losing seasons. You know, 10, 11, 14 losses.
So 10 wins, huh? Let's see what the oddsmakers have to say about that.
Well, Kitna may have forgotten what it's like to play for the Lions (see above), but the oddsmakers have longer memories. A quick perusal of the online odds have the Lions at 45-to-1 to win the NFC and the over-under on total wins is at 6 1/2 -- which means they're about even money to actually lose fewer than 10 games.
Photo credit: Associated Press
Comments
Hey Bill. This strikes close to home because I am a Lions fan...(as well as an Orioles and Toronto Maple Leafs hockey fan-I sure know how to pick 'em!!)
Anyway, I like the players' optimism-it's better than admitting defeat before the season starts!
Besides, they'd be crazy to say-gee we looked at the schedule and 2-14 looks real possible...The fans in Detroit have had a good run in recent years with the Pistons/WIngs and Tigers-maybe it's finally going to be the Lions turn...
------------------------------------------------
Terry,
As I mentioned, I sure don't blame the guys for expressing optimism but I just couldn't resist contrasting it with the oddsmakers' expectations which, as you know, are often accurate. Best of luck this season.
--Bill O.
Posted by: TerryP | June 27, 2007 3:05 PM
10 games?!?! I'd be shocked if they win 4. I wonder if they players are looking at an old schedule by mistake. There is no way they are going to win 10 games unless about 6 of those wins are big time upsets. Being optimistic is fine, but lets try a little reality mixed in there as well.
Posted by: Steve | June 27, 2007 3:27 PM
Clears Throat to insert Jim Mora Sr. Quote
"PLAYOFFS??? They're thinking PLAYOFFS??? They should be worried about just winning 1/4 of their games!"
Much better
-------------------------------------
Very effective ... I like that.
--Bill O.
Posted by: Nate | June 27, 2007 5:52 PM
Yes its crazy to say that. But, do you want them to come out and say, we suck and we will be lucky to win 4 games. What does that do the fan base?
----------------------------------------------
As I mentioned before, it would probably be safer to simply say we're going to be improved and not put a number on it. Look, I don't blame those guys for showing some confidence ... but it is funny, though.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Captain Jack | June 28, 2007 10:44 AM