Playoffs?!?

11 years of professional football playoff drought and we get to see the debacle unfold on Saturday night. The Lions (most notably, the Defense) got their ass kicked by the New Orleans Saints 186-24. Ok...I know it wasn't the real score, but it sure seemed like it.

I don't know about you, but I am sick of hearing the Lions' name mentioned in other teams' records. 2 weeks ago, a quarterback that no one heard of passed for around 600 yards and 6 touchdowns against one of "the best defensive lines" in the NFL. Drew Brees looked like a kid in a candy store, slinging passes to receivers that were so wide open, it felt like the Lions did not deserve to be on the same field as the Saints. Our tackling sucked (both weeks) and our secondary was abysmal (both weeks).

I was thrilled that they made the playoffs, but I am tired of hearing the "Congratulations on a great year" posts on Twitter and Facebook, especially after the way they closed out the season. The Lions need to completely re-tool their secondary (again) and their linebacker corps (again).

I think they should take a long careful look at retread Gunther Cunningham and send him on his way...let's get a defensive coordinator who can build a defense that can handle the "new" NFL and get rid of the old crotchety-foul-mouthed-media -favorite has-been.

Oh...and can we get a running back that doesn't go on injured reserve when he gets a hang nail? (I know...concussions are dangerous...but some guys can take hits...the Lions backs can't). Stafford will get stronger, as will Charles Johnson and Titus Young.

Jim Swartz is a decent (not great) & entertaining coach. He has made his fair share of mistakes this year, especially during the last few games, both on the field and off. His handling of Lions-hired color analyst Jim Brandstater after the game was unacceptable and unprofessional. Had he kept his reactions and emotions in check this past season, perhaps we would be talking about a victory against the G-men instead of writing a eulogy on a disappointing exit.

Lastly, leading the NFC in penalties (and one of the most penalized in the NFL) is Swartz's fault and needs to be corrected. They will not make the playoffs next season if they continue to make stupid mental mistakes and continue to commit idiotic personal foul penalties every game.

I could stomach a noble loss...but this certainly was not. It had the "Same Old Lions" taste. Perhaps "they can build/learn/get-stronger-next-year/after this" (I know, I know...all familiar Lions cliches). I will await next season with baited breath.