BYE BYE MOUTHY BLY!

I can’t say I was really shocked by either trade. James Hall (33 career sacks and 5 in 7 games last season…FROM…MICHIGAN) didn’t help himself very much by going down with an injury last season and because of it found himself on the outside looking in. Well now, he’ll be doing it in St. Louis. I always thought that Hall had more talent then he let on and actually was not a bad pass rusher when he got in a rhythm. The problem was that happened at a very inconsistent pace and his constant jumping offside made Hall a 50-50 player when you weigh the good vs. the bad. That being said, Hall was one of the few emotional sparks and bright spots on an otherwise mostly non-existent defense during some absolutely outrageously dismal past seasons for Detroit. When looking at this deal, the first thing that comes to mind is how valuable draft picks really are. Had Hall played more last season, his worth probably would have been greater then just a 5^th round pick but because Detroit ditched their 6^th rounder, they were smart to get yet another 5^th rounder AT LEAST for Hall. With the value of pass rushers, it partially amazes me that Hall’s value is only a 5^th initially and I think this was a good risk for the Rams to take provided Hall stays healthy. At this stage, you take what you can get because word is Hall wasn’t really known as a “Marinelli type” player.

 

Before I get to the Bly deal I want to say that my opinion on Rod Marinelli isn’t out yet. I don’t believe he should be judged based on last season but I have to be honest Lions fans…I am so sick and tired of hearing about this so called – “Marinelli type of player” bullshit and that anyone that doesn’t fit into that particular coach’s mold of talent, aggressiveness and toughness will be shipped out of town. Is it just me or does hearing those lines over and over and over again seem almost fake? Apparently, WR – Mike Furrey was a Marinelli player and the Lions signed him to an extension as a direct result. James Hall apparently wasn’t a Marinelli player and neither was Dre Bly. That being said…Bly didn’t want to be here and he often yapped off and quite frankly, was too dam mouthy for his own good so I can kind of respect the Lions in saying… “If you don’t want to be here, then we don’t want you here so goodbye.” Either way though, you’re telling me that all the non-Marinelli players will be eventually weeded out until we have 22 plus Marinelli’s on the Ford Field turf on Sunday afternoons? I must give the guy some credit…his work ethic that he preaches sure seemed to work in Tampa Bay but the point I am making here is that I am sick of hearing the same things over and over and over again from this head coach regarding what he preaches. No matter what he’s asked he says the exact same things in his answers every single time he’s interviewed. I am sorry but again he comes off looking very fake. Until he proves it, I will always see this particular Lions Head Coach that way. Anyway, on to the Bly deal…

Trading CB – Dre Bly away to Denver actually helps to fill needs for both teams. The tragic loss of ex-Bronco CB – Darrent Williams forced Denver to either have to draft yet another corner or go shopping for trades like they did with our Lions. In turn they did get a quality corner in Dre Bly and a 6^th rounder, but in my opinion, Bly is too mouthy and is way overrated as a corner. A truly talented corner doesn’t get beat near as often as Bly does and isn’t as vocal off the field about himself, his entire team, organization and even the team’s QB. Don’t get me wrong, he was right to say something last season about Harrington in some ways but in other ways, you’re more of a team player if you just shut your stupid mouth. So it’s bye, bye mouthy Bly! You might have some success in Denver now playing opposite to a truly great CB in Champ Bailey and on a much better team and football organization, but if you don’t shut your yap in Denver you’ll see how far it will get you there too. Simply put, Bly no longer wanted to be here so why would Detroit want such a shit disturber here then? Dre Bly…Good riddens…Please don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out and you’re odd good play (10% of the time) was appreciated. Your attitude and mouth wasn’t, so adios. From the Broncos perspective, it’s a bit of a risk to take Bly with only 1 year left on his existing contract, especially if they can’t re-sign him. Bly and Bailey together will without question be one of the absolute best CB tandems in the NFL. This move was done more so to defend against the San Diego Chargers twice a season so that the Broncos can play more man to man coverage and allow more defenders to jump up to try and stop LT but Denver…Don’t be so sold on Bly’s coverage abilities just yet. He can and will get beat.

In return for Bly, the Lions picked up a backup RB – Tatum Bell (may end up starting depending on the seriousness of the Kevin Jones injury), OT – George Foster, plus a 5^th round draft choice as mentioned. I like how the Lions are trying to get more draft picks (which they so desperately need) even though they are all in the 5^th round. That’s better than nothing, isn’t it? Bell (1,025 rushing yards last season) may be underrated as a full time back. Bronco Head Coach – Mike Shanahan certainly has his ways about him. In other words, it’s his way or the highway and word is he had many concerns about Bell being a full time RB. Thus, Bell’s playing time was cut short and it will still be if KJ’s return isn’t delayed. With the need for more blocking up front, Foster was also a much needed pickup even though like Bell, he too saw the bench a few times in the Denver system. Either way though, first and foremost it’s all about team needs and the Lions only gained in this situation, primarily because with Bly not wanting to be here anyway, they lost nothing out of it. That being said they gained talent in 2 areas where they desperately needed it so they did improve themselves here if even a little bit.

 

The day revolved around losing Bly though and I must say he was one pickup back in the day that I really liked. The problem is, Bly needs to play on a successful team to keep him happy as so many players do. At his stage he was sick and tired of the Lions shortcomings. In many ways I do agree with him but in others he just got to be a nuisance in the clubhouse and when that happens it’s time for a fresh start. Well that’s what he got isn’t it? Goodbye, Dre Bly. You weren’t as spoiled in Detroit as you were in St. Louis and as you probably will be again in Denver, but if you truly are the player you think you are…your new found Bronco team will demand success out of you right away. Just as you wanted Dre…once again, YOUR TIME IS NOW!