MVN - Most Valuable Network

Just What is a “Marinelli Guy”?

Image details: Detroit Lions v Chicago Bears served by picapp.com

Just when you think the Lions might be getting it right.

I don’t know why anyone would be surprised, I’m certainly not. The top two Detroit draft picks for this season both have skeletons in their closet that the team should have known about, or knew about them and didn’t want anyone to know. First round offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (Boston College) and second round linebacker Jordon Dizon (Colorado) have both made news in the least desirable way, especially in today’s NFL.

Cherilus was involved in an altercation at a bar last year while celebrating his 23rd birthday, while allegedly trying to “break up” a fight. A patron who was in a confrontation with a part owner (also a State Police sergeant) claims Cherilus grabbed him in a choke hold and dragged him. A judge ordered the Lion rookie to probation and pay $52,000 toward his medical bills and will be one of the defendants in the upcoming civil suit. The lesson learned?

“The lesson I learned,” Cherilus said, “is not to try to break up any more fights.”

Chalk one up for the “Marinelli” guy. Apparently, football character is to be taken literally. Marinelli is convinced Cherilus is the real deal and will be an impact player immediately, even if he wasn’t a “sexy” selection.

“Is it a glamorous guy coming in? No,” Marinelli said. “But for a coach, it is.”

Dizon was nabbed for a DUI a mere six days before the draft. I guess its supposed to be okay and swept away because he was not yet a member of the NFL fraternity. He has of course pleaded not guilty (right, a .097 blood alcohol content) and contended that he is taking responsibility. By pleading not guilty? The lip service both he and his lawyer make me want to heave lunch. His story confuses me.

“I was very polite to the officer. I did everything he asked me to and I acted like a man. It’s a bad situation and I’m sorry that it happened.”

His attorney offered the company line of course.

“Jordon is an outstanding football player, person and citizen,” attorney Peter Schaffer said. “I think that over time he will continue to demonstrate that to all his fans in both Michigan and Colorado.”

The reason the Lions grabbed him in the second round? His football character of course.

“The guy’s all over the field,” Marinelli pointed out post-draft. “He’s got a great feel for the game, bright. We had him up here on a visit. He’s a special guy. He really is. He’s a special person.”

Yep, special. I’m not implying that the club should run to the media podium and spew the news, but in this time of turmoil and yet another rebuilding process, do the Lions need this attention? Doesn’t these incidents make their front office look worse than already perceived? I think we can all agree that Matt Millen needs more negative criticism like a hole in the head. Yet it directly reflects on his administration, like it or not. His scouting, his staff, his watch.

You men make mistakes. The question is that when they are given the fruits of an NFL contract, will they become worse and feel they can get away with bad conduct? Will they learn their lesson and not allow themselves to become subject to these situations? Just how much “character” can we expect?

And does Marinelli know the difference?

Gosder Cherilus: Getting it Down from Lomas Brown

The Detroit Lions have turned to an old hand to help tutor the young cub at Lions practice this past Monday.

Former Pro-Bowl Lion left tackle Lomas Brown is in town helping out coach Rod Marinelli during these OTA’s and is focusing in on rookie first round pick Gosder Cherilus. While it is tough to get a good read on his progress (or lack thereof) practicing in shorts, Brown can somewhat evaluate where Cherilus needs to improve.

“I would have to see him in pads, but this is just my opinion in shorts,” Lomas points out. “I don’t think he’s very far. I just think there’s fundamental things for him.”

When your bread and butter is digging in and and coming of the ball with physical play, running around in shorts may not paint the clearest picture when looking at the offensive line. But the speed of the game in the NFL is evident and this may be the initial starting point of Gosder’s most glaring area of development. He is going to be faced with speed rushing ends and linebackers and getting out into pass protection will be just as vital as run blocking, his perceived strength.

“A lot of times it looks like he’s grabbing and he’s not punching the guy, but it’s all about the timing,” Brown continues. He can learn. He’ll get that down during training camp. The more reps he gets with it, the better he’ll get. So I’m not really concerned with him. I do like what I heard, that he’s got a nasty attitude. You can’t teach that.”

Marinelli has always admired Brown from his days as a back-up on the 2002 Super Bowl winning Tampa Bay squad and is very happy to have the 7-time Pro Bowl selection tutoring his offensive lineman. With the emphasis shifting to the power running game this season, the Lions can use all the insight Brown can offer.

What may sound like a red flag, it is shorts and very little contact in practice right now. The real test and techniques come from putting on the pads and lining it up. While fans may be moaning and groaning already, and with Millen’s record who can blame them, lets get down to bullets flying before we turn the gun on Matt.

Kevin Smith: Key to Lions Draft

Both right tackle Gosder Cherilus and linebacker Jordon Dizon were selected to fill gaping holes in the Lions’ roster. Depth and toughness were needed along the offensive line and with the departure of Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey, the team needs playmaking linebackers for its Tampa Two scheme. But perhaps the most important, and intriguing selection was drafting Kevin Smith as the franchise’s future primary ball carrier.

Not since the immortal Barry Sanders have the Lions had such pedigree in a runningback. He nearly matched Barry’s single-season rushing record, falling just 61 yards short (2,567 yards, 29 touchdowns) and also like Barry, holds the hopes of the team and their fans in his hands as the Lions move from the pass-happy Mike Martz offense to the power running game implemented by new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto. Even with those numbers, Smith realizes the National Football League is a far cry from Conference USA.

“I’ve got a lot to prove,” Kevin states. “To me, my mind-set, I proved what I could do in college. I come from Conference USA. I dominated Conference USA every year I played. Now I’m on a different level with good players. Every player is as good as me. Now I’ve got to work on things to get an upper hand on people, and that’s my plan. I’m not saying I’m the best person. I’m Kevin, I’m entering the NFL and I’m going to work hard to be all I can be.”

Numer four overall pick Darren McFadden has LaMont Jordan and Justin Fargas waiting for him in Oakland. Jonathan Stewart was selected at thirteen by the Carolina Panthers and will initially split carries with DeAngelo Williams and play situational roles. Rashard Mendenhall was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers and will be part of a somewhat crowded backfield with Willie Parker returning from injury. Felix Jones is going to be the change of pace to Marion Barber in Dallas. Smith is coming in expected to be the future and will challenge veterans Tatum Bell, Artose Pinner, and Brian Calhoun for playing time to replace former starter Kevin Jones and knows being a rookie comes with its own trials and tribulations.

“No one told me I was going to come here to be a starter or even play, for that matter,” he realizes. “I think you just come here and compete. As a rookie, you have to be on special teams, so I’ll bust my behind on special teams. I just play football. I just play running back, and wherever I fit on the depth chart, that’s where I belong.”

One huge advantage Smith has over other rookie runningbacks in 2008, and may even have over the veterans on the Lions, is the offense. The zone blocking scheme, the play calls, snap counts, and the assignments are all things Smith has already played with at UCF under his college offensive coordinator Tim Salem, who had once worked under Colletto at Purdue. This certainly shortens the learning curve and give Smith a running start once camp begins.

Smith in my mind is the absolute key in this draft class, even though he was selected in the third round. I feel that the offensive line the Lions fielded last season was solid, but asked to play away from their strengths. Being asked to pass block in games where your running attack has six or eight carries in an entire game at times is mind-boggling, let alone pass plays that take numerous five and seven step drops while facing an all-out blitz because your running game doesn’t strike fear in opposing defenses. Commitment is step one and the Lions have made that by replacing Martz with Colletto, a move many non-Lion fans may have questioned, but us diehards applauded.

Smith has the aspirations that all rookie backs have when they enter the league. And although he has the potential to reach things like future Pro Bowls and rushing titles, Kevin realizes that when the dream of playing pro football becomes reality, talk can be cheap and actions speak louder than words.  

“This is not the right time to talk about stuff. You don’t come to a team sport and say, ‘I’m going to be rookie of the year.’ That’s just a dream inside there, but it’s nothing to talk about. You just do it. It just happens. Adrian didn’t talk about that,” he said (meaning Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings), Adrian just made it happen. I just want to make it happen.”

I certainly believe that if things work out according to plan, we should see Smith surpass 1,000 this season as he becomes acclimated to the league. Although the team may find it necessary to start Tatum Bell as they brought him back after under using him last season, you don’t have to look no furthers than Smith’s workhorse-like 450 carries last season to know the Lions perhaps the next king of the jungle and Lion pride leader.

The Caleb Quandary

I have never served in any branch of the United States military and am a staunch supporter of anyone who has or does. Whether its war time or not, whether its in the field or behind a desk, it takes courage and fortitude to enlist in my opinion. In my support, I also greatly respect the parents, spouses, children, relatives and friends who are directly affected by those who serve. Whether or not I agree with the war in Iraq, I believe it is a must to support the troops because they represent our country.

I am also a Detroit Lions, NFL, and general all-around sports fan as is many of Americans as well as military personnel. It is not hard to imagine the relief a sports fan serving over seas gets from the distraction sports can bring them and the sense of normalcy following their teams and players. The 2008 NFL Draft brought about an intriguing debate in its last round; the status of Lion draft pick, safety Caleb Campbell from Army.

At the time of his selection, I really didn’t think it was that big of a deal. He is a football player, a player who plays defense which the Lions are in dire need of, and of course, available. Was I touched by his story? Of course. Did I mind the ovation he got at Radio City Music Hall? Not in the least. I will admit, I did not know of the new rule the Army has implemented where it concerns professional sports. After I was informed, I still didn’t have any concerns over Campbell’s selection.

At first, I wondered if this was a ploy by the team. Matt Millen has been under fire for years here and his popularity isn’t about to improve regardless. Head coach Rod Marinelli is a veteran of the Vietnam War and brings a militaristic tone to his team and staff. Was this pick, considered by many as “the feel good story” of the draft, an attempt to play to the football fans of not only the Motor City, but the nation? I would not be surprised, but it was my cynical Lion mind that placed it in my mind.

I thought it a wise pick and it getting the reaction it got was a bonus to me. Frankly, the Lions can use any positive publicity and recognition it can get. After years of continued futility, its about time he had something to smile about if we cannot celebrate division championships, playoff wins of even a Super Bowl appearance let alone a win. I really did not expect the debate to be so strong on the “rule” and the vast array of emotions and opinions the issue has spawned.

Because Campbell was drafted by a professional team, he has the option of not being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. He can serve as an Army recruiter and “general ambassador” and with his new-found popularity is considered an asset to draw recruits to West Point. It makes sense that high-profile West Point graduates could be very valuable in this regard. And for an guy who could have remained anonymous his entire life, Campbell’s new found fame as an NFL player (providing he makes the team, which I don’t see how he gets cut), means even more of the public eye.

Wow, how far and beyond the football field this truly is, and I feel somewhat disappointed in myself that I don’t feel stronger about one side or the other. My father served in the Army and fought in the Korean War and I have cousins that have been, are in line to go, or are in Iraq. For my family members, I hope they are safe and sound and come back home just as they left. I wish our country could bring the war to a positive end and bring everyone home. To concern myself with whether or not Caleb Campbell should stay and play or be assigned as if he did not get a shot at pro football simply doesn’t make my list of priorities.

Considered a better tackler than cover man, Campbell may be groomed to add a little bulk and become a linebacker for the Lions. After signing Dwight Smith and Kalvin Pearson and having holdovers Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks, safety may not be a pressing need. Nevertheless, a versatile defender that can be a fit for the Tampa Two and play multiple positions is always welcome. Marinelli is interested in Campbell as a player, not because of his military background or sentimental appeal. Marinelli explains:

“I don’t have a whole lot of sentimental. That’s just me. I like guys who run, hit and tackle, and if he does that, then I’m pretty sentimental. He was a draft-eligible player. My job is to find guys who can play football, and if he’s draft-eligible, you would expect me to find him.”

Campbell has obviously received many good wishes and encouragement, which I don’t have a problem with. As I’ve said, to go through four years of education and training at West Point is extremely commendable and any role he may be able to fill is to be applauded. It is my understanding that not all graduates go into combat automatically. I also have read that is is likely Caleb would have been assigned to Iraq or Afghanistan. This is where the debate heats up.

There are those, both former military personnel and others, who believe Campbell should not have the NFL opportunity. Some talk of the estimated $250,000 it takes for a four-year program at West Point and how it is financed. Some ask how can Campbell even look his classmates in the face. Questions of his loyalties and priorities have made their way into the papers and talk radio. Words like “abandon” are bandied about.

Campbell has remained steadfast and while taken aback by the new celebrity, says the “nasty” letters are minimal but troubling but that the positive greatly outweighs the negative and it is the support from soldiers that inspires him to chase his dream and play in the National Football League.

“I’ve gotten some nasty letters from people questioning what I’m doing, asking me how I can look my classmates in the face,” Campbell recounts. “But that’s been a very small minority. On the day I was drafted I got over 300 e-mails, lots of them from soldiers serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those guys said they were behind me and so were their commanding officers.”

The Army has enacted this rule while the Air Force and Navy have not. The Lions also have Army defensive lineman Cameron Craig and Air Force linebacker Drew Fowler trying out in camp. While the debate is liable to continue, Fowler is hoping for a similar chance and is hopeful.

“It definitely looks positive for us with what Army’s done allowing Caleb to get drafted and this and that,” Fowler states. “This biggest thing, what it boils down to for me in my case is, I have to make a team first. Once that happens, that opens up a lot of doors.”

This is where sports and real life collide with resounding impact. Who is right and wrong is up for grabs and is a matter of opinion. With opinions coming from each side of those doors, opening them may not be pleasant to start, but also may be a nice change from simply slamming them shut.