Lions turning the corner? Is this humor?

Just as I was about to take another week off from writing about the hapless Detroit Lions, I come across Kevin Antcliff's article "Detroit Lions -- Turning the Corner?".

Of course, I thought, this must be one of those humorous articles that I enjoy reading about my struggling Lions. But then I looked again, and I think he is serious. Are you Kevin?

I mean, come on, the Detroit Lions beat an Arizona Cardinals team that is, to put it politely, not very good. Then, they promptly lose four in a row, which is what I have come to expect from these players in Detroit. But, you tell me they are turning the corner and give reasons for saying so?

You told me to forget so much that I would have to have a concussion or get amnesia to not see all the typical Lion mistakes and problems. As for the Denver Bronco loss, you failed to mention that the Broncos just beat one of their biggest rivals the week before and were in for a letdown facing the Lions. I can't seem to forget that the Lions didn't make a big play, gave up big plays, and missed an extra point that would have tied the game at that point. But, they were in the game. That is what coaches and players who are used to losing say. Winners get mad and say we need to make the plays to win.

At San Francisco, you told us to forget about Joey Harrington's interceptions, or how bad the defense was. Just remember, we were close. I want to add to forget that the Lions offense was 2-11 on third down conversions, and we had a usual under 100 yard (84) rushing day. But, we were close. I forgot to mention close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

Also, I am not sure how talented the Oakland Raiders are after watching them lose to the Chicago Bears.

You are right about not being the average 1-4 team though, because 1-4 teams are below average.

Let's go through our defeats. We got killed by the Green Bay Packers. We lost to the Minnesota Vikings at home. We got beat by a Broncos team with a hangover from the week before when they beat one of their biggest rivals, the Raiders. Then, we go into San Francisco with all of their problems with Terrell Owens, and get beat on the road again.

I have seen the Lions fight when they got behind before. It was usually when the other teams defenses played prevent and let them back into the game.

Yes, they have injuries, as do most other teams in the NFL. I do agree they seem to be fighting harder than in the past. Also, I think Steve Mariucci can turn this ship around. But please, Kevin, wait until they win another game or two before you talk about them turning the corner.

Before the fans can have confidence in this team, the Lions need to win a road game. They haven't done this in the last 17 tries.

Also, Mooch and the players have to show they can win a game that they have no business winning. Beating the Dallas Cowboys and Bill Parcells on October 19th at Ford Field would be an excellent way to show how Mariucci has changed this team. Winning in Minnesota or Seattle, which they have a chance to do in November, would also show how far this team has come.

You made some good points Kevin, and I really hope you are right. I am sick of watching the Lions do the same old thing week after week -- lose.

However, I will start to be optimistic when the wins start coming.