Bleacher Report - Articles by Joe Gearhart

Turning a Franchise Around for Dummies

Joe Gearhart — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:27:44 -0500

Welcome to Turning a Franchise Around for Dummies. Like you! Obviously, you wouldn't be reading this if you franchise wasn't in the toilet! Here are six easy steps to a winning franchise. Before you know it, you'll have a Super Bowl trophy in your living room, the envy of 31 loser teams who were unable to attain it.

How do you turn a franchise around anyway?

Get a great GM. A GM is someone who hires players, negotiates contracts, signs and re-signs players, and drafts players. Basically anything to do with how good the team is depends wholly on the General Manager. How those player perform depends wholly on the coach and his staff.
Get a Great coach. A coach and his scheme depends on how talented his players are and how well they can execute the playbook. The coaches staff also must be experienced and have an idea in how to play a certain position. For example, a quarterback coach must teach the quarterbacks how to throw the ball quickly, have him concentrate on their footwork, teach him not only the physical, but also to teach him the mental capacity of the job.
Draft or sign a YOUNG offensive line. The most under-appreciated position (next to the kickers, punter, and long-snapper) on the team. Without the offensive line, the quarterback wouldn't have enough time to throw the ball, the running-backs would have nowhere to run, the offense would literally would go 3 and out every drive. I guarantee you the hogs up front are crucial to the offenses success. The reason why to have a young O-line is the fact that a young O-line will last longer together, say five or 10 years together, that O-line will know the exactly who will do what. they'll trust each-other, they'll know each others strengths and weaknesses. and older mismatched line will have a fall out when a guard and a tackle retire, and the chemistry is gone on the Offensive front.
Get yourself a great defensive line. As the football God's say, "The battle is won in the trenches". A Defensive line that can stop the run as well as pressure or sack the quarterback is a recipe for success. If a D-linemen can disrupt the passer long enough to throw off his and his receivers timing the linebackers and defensive backs have enough time to either A. intercept the ball or B. stop the pass from becoming completion. Containing the run game and stopping the run consistently forces the offense to become one sided. Instead of running and passing, they are forced to pass as much as possible, and when you know they are going to pass that enables the d-line to pass rush without the fear of the run.
If you win, they will come. DER! Win some games and your franchise will have fans cheering for more. fans are like bottomless pits, you just cant give em' enough wins.
The most important rule to turning a franchise around. DON'T PANIC! You cannot expect the franchise to win immediately. Yes, you will improve but give it time. you have to learn to crawl before you learn to walk, and before you know it, you'll hit the ground runnin'.

Congratulations, you have finished Turning a Franchise Around for Dummies, and I wish you the very luck and remember, DON'T PANIC.

Checked out by

Chip Rosenbloom
Billy Ford
Mike Brown
Carl Peterson
Randolph D. Lerner
Billy Ford
Paul G. Allen
Billy Ford

The End of sports as we know it

Joe Gearhart — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:04:52 -0400

Hear Ye, Hear Ye,

The End of professional sports is near. All across the globe professional sports, from Soccer to American Football, will become nothing more than a page in the history books, all because of gas.

Listen to me. If there is no gas to power those private jets that pro athletes use to travel from city to city (sometimes on a daily basis) then the ability to play sports in a far off city will become hard to handle.

Imagine the NY Giants being unable to compete against the SF 49ers? The NFL will crumble. Dallas and Redskins rivalry will become something of the past only our parents could remember.

Without some alternative fuel source, traveling from city to city will take weeks depending on how fast those horses can go.

Instate rivalries will become the norm when it comes to anything sports related. The big ten rivalry will become the big Indiana Rivalry, or the ACC will become nothing more than random letters jumbled together.

The NBA championship, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, The Masters, or The Rose Bowl. Any sports championship will no longer become exciting watching FSU play against FIU year after year.

High-school teams will have to walk from town to town just to play a game. Coaches will no longer have the ability to visit any potential candidate for joining their team. The Olympics would take a long time to get to.

Fans will no longer attend game like they used to. Stadiums will become giant fields of grass for farmers to till their crops, or huge YMCA's.

Basically the end of life as we know it. 2020—12 years.

Give the Refs a Break

Joe Gearhart — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:01:46 -0400

There have been countless times when a sports fan sees a call that isn't in his or her favor and becomes quite angry. Understandable of course.

Everyone hates it when something bad happens to their team, whether it be a home run that was called a double, or a linebacker called for face mask when clearly on the television screen he barely even touched him let alone grabbed his face mask.

What intrigues me the most is the fact that no one considers the vantage point of the official.

For example, in American Football the referee's point of view is blocked by the onslaught of players running every which way. Also, there is the fact that even though the ref may be looking straight at them, the players may be in such a position that the refs might as well be closing their eyes.

That also brings up the interesting point of how long the football game really is. The average game, according to several websites, is between three hours and 26 minutes and three hours and 47 minutes, during which time I guarantee you that a an official's eyes will blink.

In a game in which things happen in a split second, a simple blink could compromise a ref's view of a call while our views via our HD television sets are clear.

In Pro Baseball, the sport which is more anal about stats than any other sport in existence, umpires are scrutinized by every fan, player, and manager. I believe this can be very stressful.

Baseball should adopt an instant replay only for certain cases. For instance, home runs can sometimes be very hard to see from first base or wherever the heck the ump is, so close calls should be reviewable. I'm very surprised that it's taking this long to actually seriously consider acquiring instant replay

I believe that home field advantage plays a major role in whose favor refs/umpires rule their calls. I would rather side with the home fans in a controversial call mainly because the fact is, I would rather make it home alive rather than havae my career in sports end in a riot.

Of course, what would sports be without the controversial calls that cripple a team's hope of winning a game? What would we say to our buddies at work about the game? "Hey T, did you see the game last night?"

"Yes I did Kyle, I must say that was some mighty fine officiating last night."

Heck no! Bad calls are what make a game interesting to watch and talk about. One-third of the stories we have now would be nonexistent if bad calls weren't there to fill them.

The Detroit Lions' Defensive Draft Needs: Should I Even Try?

Joe Gearhart — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:24:43 -0400

The mediocrity of Lions football dumbfounds even the most loyal of fans who hope that one day their offense will find the ball and the defense will stop playing flag football and start tackling the darn ball carrier.

This is my defensive take on the Detroit Lions. At this moment, Matt Millen is finding new ways to destroy the franchise he took over in 2001. Since then the team has been a resounding 31-81—50 wins under .500.

Millen is 8-48 on the road. I am almost speechless...EIGHT WINS?! You have got to be kidding me. Please say it's all one cruel joke.

Yet through the beyond awful season we endure time after time, Millen is still the second highest paid GM in the NFL.

Enough of that ranting, this is about what they need (a GM perhaps?), not about what we dream we can do.

Let's start with the overall defensive stats from 2007.

The Lions allowed 444 points—the worst in the NFL. They allowed 32 passing touchdowns and more than 6,000 yards. There are a bunch of other stats I would rather not look at because if I do I believe I might get some weird blood clot that appears out of midair called Millenitis.

Sorry, I was ranting again. Let's look at it position by position.

Defensive End

After releasing the disappointing Kalimba Edwards, Dewayne White seems to be the only DE worth talking about. He made plays and that's all we could ask from him.

We need a talented star to at least give the opponent's QB a scare or even a little distraction. The whole purpose of pass rushing is either to sack the guy who runs a 5.50 40-yard dash or distract him into throwing a pick.

The only other "notable" DE on the team is that one guy who has the really weird name Ikaiaka ALAMA Francis, or something. He's young and looked good in college but this is the NFL...SHOW ME SOMETHING.

Defensive Tackle

After trading Shaun Rogers for being extremely fat and running out of breath after walking onto the field, he still was the only threat we had on the D-line. Shaun Cody hasn't done much, and after the one-year wonder Cory Redding petered out, getting a DT in the Draft sound like a good option.

Unless we could trade out best player, say Roy Williams for, say, Cletidus Hunt. Then we'll suck even more!

Linebacker

Ernie Sims. He's all we have...SERIOUSLY.

There's Anthony Cannon, a some guy who suddenly appeared on the roster after being on the training squad; Buster Davis, another practice squad guy who the Arizona Cardinals released; Alfred Fincher, the special teamer from new Orleans; Gilbert Gardner, the starting LB when the Colts won the Super Bowl (but all due respect, he was the backup until the starter became injured); Paris Lenon who lost us the Dallas game after not being able to LAND on the fumbled ball that could have won the game (but hey, let's not hold that against him); and Alex Lewis who only started five games out 41.

Need I say more?

Our linebackers have been a joke for as long as I can remember. Watching the TEs catch absolutely everything and watching that Philly game in 2007 made me cry.

Seriously, I guess it takes a special man to watch the Lions.

Cornerback

First I must admit that Rod Marinelli is a least attempting to address the poor ability to tackle, as well as stopping the receiver from catching the ball.

Almost the entire CB position has been changed except for Keith Smith and Stanley Wilson. Leigh Bodden, from the trade with the Browns; special teamer Devonte Edwards; Brian Kelly Israel Route; and Ramzee Robinson—oh and Taravis Fisher—God only knows why he's still there.

Hopefully the CB position is better, but only time will tell. I don't see us drafting a CB but you never know... It's Lions Logic—don't forget that.

Safety

Hopefully the Gerald Alexander and Daniel Bullocks mix will spark a tackling sensation between the two. It would be very nice to see a big hit now and then. Get the fans excited! God knows they need it.

Greg Blue hopefully will see some time. I saw him in that Dallas game—he was a tackling fool. And besides, saying "You're my boy Blue!" is way too much fun.

Dwight Smith is a huge addition to the team, whether or not anybody realizes it. He has been the starting safety on a team that hasn't been higher than sixth best defense in the league. Let's see what happens.

I noticed we had six safeties on the team. WHY? Last time I checked only two safeties are on the field at the same time. Not SIX!

Kicker

Jason Hanson is the all-time leading scorer for the Lions and, even though he is getting older, he still is accurate as ever. Though you know Arthritis kicks in with old age as well as Alzheimer’s. Hopefully Jason Hanson won't commit suicide with all the losses, commit to an insane asylum, or forget how to kick the friggen ball over that big yellow fork.

The scary thing is, Paul Ernster was just signed, and he's a kicker too. I don't know about you, but Jason has been the only kicker since 1992. Is he going to be replaced? Oh, say it ain't so!

Punter

Nick Harris is a punter who punts the ball...What more have I got to say?

He sounds good, and it sounds like he's getting better. Seeing the punter during the game is kinda bad though—it means we aren't scoring. Darn punters.

What have we got to do to right the ship, eh? Well, after careful deliberation, I say we need a brand new DEFNSIVE LINE as well as a new LINEBACKING CORPS.

The biggest whole is the linebackers. We have no depth. Ernie is the only guy who can do anything, and having only one linebacker is like trying to hold a pail of water with no bottom.

Dan Conner would be a perfect fit for us. I'm only saying that because almost any linebacker in the draft in better than what we have right now.

The defensive line is pretty lackluster. We need a DE and a DT for sure—at least one of each. I don't care who, just pick someone and see what happens. Of course I can't say that—I'm analyzing not rambling.

If he's available, Quenton Groves would be a perfect fit along with Kentwan Balmer, but I doubt either of them is going to be there in the second round or later. Dre Moore can start doing something and show the Lions how to sack somebody.

Well, that's all I got. My brain hurts. I'm gonna go crazy soon just thinking about who needs what and how that happens to be where why then not going to...Sorry my brain is shutting down. DARN YOU MILLENITIS!

The Curse of the Detroit Lions

Joe Gearhart — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:57:09 -0400

In 1958, after he had led the Lions to three NFL Championships and provided Detroit nearly a decade of Hall of Fame play, Bobby Layne was traded by the Lions. Bobby was injured during the last championship season, and the Lions thought he was through and wanted to get what they could for him. According to legend, as he was leaving for Pittsburgh, Bobby said that Detroit "would not win for 50 years." Since this time, the Lions have not won another championship and have only a single playoff game win. Some have attributed the Lions' subsequent 49 years of futility to the "Curse of Bobby Layne."-Wikipedia.com

According to my estimates this will be the last year for the curse to help keep the lions from being a success. The year of '09 i expect that Matt Millen will be fired, and we will win the SUPER BOWL. I'm not lying you can quote me on that, The next season after '08, The Detroit Lions will win The Super Bowl. I don't know how but this curse is gonna end and that by itself is reason enough to believe that something special is going to happen. Just look at the Chicago Cubs, You know the Franchise is doomed when three or more curses are placed upon it: The Babe Ruth trade, The Goat, and a Black Cat. You cant deny that after over a long period of time of not winning, something must be going on right?

NFL Draft: Where Will Mike Hart Land?

Joe Gearhart — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:49:58 -0400

Michigan fans will never forget the games in which the one and only Mike Hart gave everything he had on each and every play.

At least, until the next great running back comes along.

The combine was not friendly to him. Hart ran a 40 yard dash of 4.6 and had a vertical of 28, which is the worst of most RBs. It doesn't bode well the fact that he is short, being only 5'9''.

But like most players, you can't measure them by how athletic they are,(example Emmit Smith wasn't the fastest or strongest) but how they play. Mike is projected to go at the 4th round which I say poppy cock (got that one from my old man).

Mike Hart brings much more than than passion, which is more that most running backs can say. He brings an intelligence which can help him improve drastically in the pro-game.

My only hope is that the Detriot Lions can draft him. However, I expect the 49ers to take him to add depth in the later rounds, and I base my last predictions on absolutely nothing.

I believe though with my gut, that Mike will make a bigger splash than most fans will agree with.

Grading the Detroit Lions Defense

Joe Gearhart — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 05:21:49 -0400

Having to watch the Detroit Lions defense is like watching home videos with strangers, it beyond embarrassing and furthermore a joke to the NFL.

What do the Lions need to improve during the off season? EVERYTHING.

Corners seem to be a key position we needed, but since we signed every safety out there not to mention every corner from what the Bucs didn't want. Last time I checked, we had six safeties on the roster. Six!!! I believe there are, last time I counted, only two safeties on the field on for Tampa two D.

The line backers are an even bigger joke, with only Ernie Sims being the gold ring in the puddle of mud. The released of underachieving Teddy Lehman and Boss Baily only hurts us more especially when we haven't replaced them with ANYBODY.

Alex Lewis has started five games in the past 41 games. Paris Lenon, an underachiever who can tackle like nobody's business, but crumbles when the game is on the line. Anthony Cannon has been in the NFL for three seasons and has never had a role bigger than special teams. Lastly Buster Davis, who is on the practice squad.

Linebackers are a huge disappointment and spot that has not been filled since Matt Millen became GM. Ernie Sims is an exception. Boss was decent, but wasn't a winner.

Our D-Line consists of one true start with play maker, Dewayne White. He creates plays in big moments which is what we need. All others are unproven.

Most of the players are unproven starters, and that does not bode well for the Lions chance at a playoff appearance, let alone a winning season. My best guess for every hole we wish to fill is in draft, look for most of the picks to be on defensive players. But with Millen making picks, expect us to get a wide receiver again.

As for their grade: D+ and I'm being nice because we noticed that our corners sucked so we replaced them with "has-beens." But maybe in some parallel universe these changes might be for the better. WE need Lb, DT, DE.