Lions Diary

Even when the Detroit Lions have good luck, it's probably bad luck in the end.

The Lions held on to a 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears today. Pitching a shutout at the half, the Lions didn't bother to play the final two quarters and the Bears managed to cut the Lions lead to six points. With the final minutes ticking away, Bears quarterback Chad Hutchinson tossed a long strike that appeared to be a game tying touchdown.

However, the officials on the field ruled the pass incomplete. After further video review, amazingly and incorrectly, the officials stuck with their original call. The Bears were unable to score again and the Lions won.

Was there any Lions fan out there who didn't think the Lions lost when Bernard Berrian caught the pass? Even if you didn't think it was a TD, once you saw the replays, I'll bet nearly everyone who has ever rooted for the Honolulu Blue figured the Lions were going to face a game deciding PAT shortly.

Unbelievably, and this week's finish was unbelievable for Lions' faithful, the call stood and the Lions got a win. Now, here is the bigger question. Did the Lions really get screwed by win?

Seriously. The Lions have probably cost themselves a slot in the draft by winning today. If they manage to beat a fading Tennessee squad next week, they will move even further down in the first round. Now, maybe, just maybe the best O-lineman or safety will be available wherever the Lions end up, but the pessimistic Lions fan in me worries that today's win is a draft day loss.

Besides, today's win amounts to what? First, The Lions are not going to the post-season. Second, it was an ugly win. I mean an ugly win. Joey Harrington certainly didn't re-assure anyone today. His hot streak ended at one game. Although, in his defense, Roy Williams reverted to the player I remember at Texas who disappeared in big games. Williams bordered on brutal this afternoon. I think he dropped about three passes that hit him right on the hands. Nice.

Stephen Alexander and Az-Zahir Hakim dropped their weekly allotment of Harrington tosses, too. Even if between the three of them they held onto five more passes, Harrington's day looks 75% better. They didn't.

The defense was mediocre. They were blessed with Hutchinson's lack of playmakers and his own shortcomings. They did make some plays, but Thomas Jones ran circles around them.

In general, I like the Lions defensive front. They are an above-average unit. The linebackers have potential, especially if Boss Bailey returns in good shape, but they do concern me a bit. Teddy Lehman has speed, but seems to miss quite a few tackles. He also seems to be late on many plays. For a guy they are considering a middle linebacker, that scares me a bit. I like Lehman, but he just needs to make more plays.

The secondary needs work and everyone in town knows it. Safety is the primary concern, but I'd take a quality corner, too. Unfortunately, one will not be coming via free agency as the Lions already have too much money tied up in Dre Bly and Fernando Bryant. A mid to late round draft choice on a corner would seem mandatory.

I shouldn't complain. The Lions won a stinking game. The big call went the Lions way. I shouldn't worry about where the Leos are going to draft in April. I should take my win and be happy. However, that would put my membership in the Lions fan club on suspension. No need to worry, that isn't about to happen.