Sun--Tzu: The Art Of War and The Detroit Lions (Part 1)

Two thousand years ago, there lived a famous Chin (Chinese) general, Sun Wu. He wrote a monograph titled “The Art of War”. It was meant for the warrior elite of the times, but has found transcendent value that exists to this day.

No military leader, and by extension, no NFL coach has not made reference to this timeless masterpiece in his preparations and conduct in battle.

We should ever be mindful of the lessons of the master. Let us now explore the message of Sun--Tzu, and how it relates to victory, or defeat for our Honolulu Blue clad army as it takes to the field. My sole source of research was Shonshi,com. An excellent study.

Part 1. Calculation

Calculation in football, as in war, is an incredibly complex undertaking. Sun--Tzu crystallizes calculation into five principles, and their underlying concepts where we will see relevance.

The Way

The way causes people to willingly follow the thinking of their superiors.

In terms of the Lions, this can be thought of as our veterans and the rookies all pulling together under a coherent coaching staff, and a dedicated front office.

Gone are the pronouncements of Daunte Cullpepper in last season’s training camp. Soon, we shall know who is not on the same page this year. They will have lost the way, and their services will no longer be required.

Heaven

Heaven is light, and dark. Cold, and Hot. The seasonal constraints.

The Lions, by scheduling happenstance, will play no cold weather games on the road in 2010. This is their only break in an otherwise brutal schedule. They must use this to their advantage. Every effort from this point forward must be focused upon beating Chicago, on the road, in week one. Period.

Ground

Ground is high and low. Near, and far. Obstructed, and easy. Wide, and narrow. Dangerous, and safe.

The concept of ground is an obvious cornerstone of military theory.

He who holds the high ground will know victory. --Von Clauswitz

The Lions, a team who will turn over half of their starting roster in less than two years before they take the field in Chicago must play to their strengths.

The revamped defensive line will be a good place to start. The Lions defensive line must send a message to the entire league: You have no chance. None. We will make the near look far. The easy look obstructed. The wide look narrow. The safe look dangerous.

The concept of ground is not limited to defense (with all due respects to Von Clauswitz).

The Lions offense must show maturity, and discipline. Matt Stafford, and Scott Linehan must have a game plan that exploits ANY weakness present in defenses. Penalties, and turnovers can never dictate the conduct of the offense.

General

General is wisdom, credibility, benevolence, courage, and discipline.

We Lions fans can identify with the failure of team leadership over so many years that we have become somewhat calloused.

There is a fresh regime in place that seems to embrace Sun--Tzu’s victorious combination of wisdom, credibility, benevolence, courage, and discipline.

Is there another front office, or coaching staff that you would rather have running the Lions at this critical juncture?

Law

Law is organization, the chain of command, logistics, and the control of expenses.

This seems a rather esoteric concept when applied to football. Yet, it’s germane with respect to the Lions.

This year, the Lions had the opportunity to obtain the services of Adam “PacMan” Jones, Jarred Gaither, and Albert Haynesworth.

While Adam Jones may have been a safe choice, the Lions took a pass. Gaither, who is unloved by Ravens fans, was dangled in front of Mayhew and Schwartz for a 4th , then later, a 5th round 2011 draft pick. No sale.

Then, the Lions were mentioned prominently in the Albert Haynesworth sweepstakes. Some sweepstakes. Haynesworth has screwed himself into a position from which he has no option. Sign with the Redskins, or go fish.

The Lions, with little to lose, took the high road. The investments made in free agents Kyle Vanden Bosch, and Nate Burleson were coolly calculated.

The Lions front office, and coaching staff clearly embrace Sun--Tzu’s concepts.

All these five [concepts] no general has not heard. One who knows them is victorious.

Therefore, compare them by means of calculation, and determine their statuses [sic].

Ask:

Which ruler has the way?

Which general has the ability?

Which has gained heaven and ground?

Which carried out law and commands?

Which army is strong?

Which officers and soldiers are trained?

Which reward and punish clearly?

By these [questions], I know victory and defeat. -- Sun--Tzu

In my next installment, we shall examine Sun Tzu’s concept of “Doing Battle”, and how these ancient concepts are relevant to the Lions as they prepare for the great war of 2010.

Mike Sudds is an analyst and correspondent for DraftTek.com