From: smorris@venus.lerc.nasa.gov (Ron Morris )
Subject: Lions News
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: NASA Lewis Research Center
Date: 27 Aug 1992 13:27 EDT  

Time for another try at getting some Lions discussion going.   Never
works, but what the Hell.  Here's the Lions' situation as I know it.
If anyone with better access to Detroit media than I has additions
or corrections, feel free.

Holdouts:

The Lions are pretty much set.  Kevin Glover signed Tuesday, Dennis
Gibson signed Yesterday and Bennie Blades is expected to sign today.
The only holdouts left are backup and injury-prone NT Lawrence Pete,
who probably wouldn't have made the team anyway, and RB D.J. Dozier,
who wants to play baseball, even though he sucks at it.

Quarterback:

No QB controversy, Peete was handed the job from day one.  This is
the year he's GOT to show he's a starting (and durable) NFL QB.
Kramer is solid at backup.  The battle was for 3rd string between
Ware and Chuck Long, who has looked good in camp and in teh Buffalo
game.  The problem was temporarily solved with Long developing a
mysterious pain in his right shoulder.  He'll go on IR, I'm sure.
In the second half of the New England game, Ware actually looked
like he had half an idea of what he was doing, the first time I can
remember this happening.  It'll be interesting to see how he does
against Cinci.  I still look for the Lions to trade a QB, Ware or
maybe Kramer, for an offensive lineman before the trading deadline 
in October.

Running Back:

No need to say anything about Sanders.  Tillison, the 11th round
pick, has run and blocked well but fumbled a lot, a rap he had in
college.  He'll stick by default unless Dozier comes in or they
pick up someone (Highsmith?) off waivers.  They may just keep two.

Receivers:

Lots of good young talent.  Another possiblity for trade bait.

Tight End:  

Plan B guy Jimmie Johnson and 3rd round pick McLemore will make the
team but neither has looked great.  Too early to tell, though.

Offensive Line:

As expected, the biggest problem area.  Shawn Bouwens, who was 
supposed to replace Andolsek, has not looked good.  They signed
Crawford Ker, but I don't think he's the answer.  I look for a trade.

Defensive Line:

Lots of good young players, but they still need that killer pass
rushing defensive end.  First round pick Porcher has looked good in
general and has shown flashes of maybe being the guy they've been 
looking for.

Linebacker:

If healthy, one of the best units in football.  Free agents Darryl
Ford and John Derby have come out of nowhere and had good camps.
Both could make the team and provide depth, which was already not bad.
Second round pick Scroggins has shown a lot of raw ability and looks
like he'll be a demon on special teams, but has a lot to learn about
playing linebacker.

Secondary:

Depth looked to be a problem but Plan B guy Harry Colon, 8th round
pick Willie Clay, and free agent Junior Robinson have all looked
good in camp.  Should be a strength.

Kicking:

Punter Jim Arnold is as solid as ever.  Second round pick Jason 
Hanson has the advertised leg strength, but needs to work on FG
accuracy outside the dome.

Injuries:

No bad ones as yet.  Spielman, Cofer, and Crockett have missed
significant parts of the pre-season, but are expected to be
ready for the start of the regular season.

Ron