Duncans’ Lion rants

Well, I have been quiet for some time. But now the season is over, I'm back. To be honest, the Lions had me fooled about half way through the season. Remember being 6 and 2, 8 and 4? I was starting to regret my decision to not renew my season ticket. Ah, but they were just toying with us. They lived up to their hard earned reputation in the weeks that followed.

I didn't get the news I hoped for today. Looks like coach Ross is going to be around for a while longer. Why is this? Look back on this pitiful season. Almost every home game was a sellout. This is Clay Ford's cash cow. He has no interest in making any changes, because it might affect the bottom line - his bloated pocketbook. As long as the gate money keeps pouring in, expect more of the same.

It is Sunday evening. The day after the debacle in Washington. I don't ever recall seeing a team appear resigned to losing from the very first play of the game. This was a heartless and humiliating performance. Explain to me what magical coaching talent is required to prepare these professional athletes for a playoff game. This is, apparently, what they live and work for. Mercifully, the Redskins let them off the hook in the second half. I dread to think what could have happened.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Ross must go! I hope to hear on the news tomorrow morning that the Lions will be holding a mid-morning press conference. Let's do it now while there is some coaching talent available. This is inevitable - let's get it over with. Who knows, perhaps under new coaching, Barry might reconsider his future? Heck, for that matter, I might even consider becoming a season ticket holder again (maybe).

The lions are the masters of disappointment. Every year is the year. This season can only be a fluke. Who will lead us to the playoffs, Batch? I doubt it. Remember, the last lions hero quarterback was Eric Kramer in the year of "Thumbs up, Mike."
Submitted 30th Oct, 1999 by P G

I have turned a corner in my life this year. For the first time since becoming a Detroit Lions season ticket holder I await the new season expecting the worst. Usually I am unrealistically optimistic. As the season progresses my hopes are dashed as the team we love self destructs. This team, like no other, can against all odds find a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. This year I will not be disapointed.

We were led to believe a winning team would be built around our franchise player Barry Sanders. What has happened is that arguably the best running back of all time has been prevented from achieving the honors he deserves. What is truly remarkable about Barry is that he has managed to receive national recognition and break countless records while surrounded by mediocrity. We are not worthy! It is a tragedy that Barry will probably never play in Super Bowl.

Now we hear that Ford Jr's attempt to bring in Matt Millen has been vetoed by Ford Sr. Perhaps this is what we needed. Ford Sr's only concern is profits. While 50000+ fans keep showing up he is sitting pretty and not about to make any changes that could jeopardize that. It's time the reins were handed over to someone with vision.

What an inspired decision to bring in Bobby Ross. How was this an improvement over Wayne Fontes? At least Wayne took responsibility for his part in past fiascoes (and had some fun along the way), whereas Ross pouts like a spoilt child after a loss and tries to blame the media. Ross was a mistake. He should be axed.

Quarterbacks. This has been a problem for the Lions since I started watching them. Say what you like about him, the Lions would have had a winning season this year with Scott Mitchell. Charlie Batch is exciting and is the man for the future but the decision to bring him in this year was a mistake caused by fan pressure. Scott Mitchell was only part of the problem.

The sight of Herman Moore verbally attacking Johnnie Morton on the field this season (gloriously captured by national TV) suggests there is a serious morale problem. Only a new head coach will be able to turn this team around.

Why do the Lions insist on including tickets for the pre-season games in the season ticket package. I have no interest in these pointless games and resent having to pay for them. True, I could wait until after the pre-season to purchase a season ticket, but would the seat I have occupied for 9 years still be available?

Every year we are sent with the season ticket renewal notice a glossy brochure telling us how great the coming season is going to be. Every year none of what we have been promised comes to pass. Isn’t this false advertising?

So the Lions are getting a new stadium. Just wait for the new ticket prices that will pay for it. At least I will then be outside the blackout zone and will see all the games televised. Isn’t it strange that one of the best supported teams in the country is routinely blacked out by local TV just because they have the largest stadium?

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