The Detroit Lions Strike Again

Over the last last three seasons in Detroit, there have been very few bright spots. The only consistency has been inconsistency. After watching the Lions go 4-0 in the preseason, we then watched in horror as they went on to lose all 16 regular-season games and fire Marinelli and his crew.

In steps, they hired or rehired Mayhew and Schwartz. Mayhew is a carry over from the Millen regime, and Schwartz is being brought in as a defensive-minded head coach. Things seemed to be getting straightened out in Detroit when a rumor hit the news-wire.

It has been reported that the Detroit Lions, in another act of shear genius, will be releasing Wide Receiver Mike Furrey.

In 2006, Furrey had 98 receptions for 1,086 and six touchdowns in 16 games for the Lions. In 2007, the Lions added Calvin Johnson to the receiving corps, and Kitna chose Johnson and Shaun McDonald over the proven Furrey.

Furrey saw his numbers decrease nearly by a third. He had 61 catches for 664 yards and one touchdown in 16 games.

Enter the disastrous year of 2008—a season plagued by inadequacy, injuries, and inconsistency all around. Playing in only nine games due to injury, Furrey had 18 catches for 181 yards and no touchdowns.

By releasing Furrey, the Lions are setting their receiving corps back significantly. I am hard-pressed to believe that the Lions will come across another possession receiver in the draft or in free agency who rises to the level of Furrey.

Furrey is a blue-collar football player that for three seasons played well in a blue-collar town. He became a fan favorite and then a victim of change. Why didn't the Lions cut another Madden-esque trade and get a fifth round draft choice?

Instead, they're opting for an outright release. The Lions, whose defensive backfield was the joke of the league, could have at least used Furrey at safety, the position he played with the Rams.