Posted on 12/05/2006 12:48:31 PM PST by mainepatsfan
Despite losses, Lions to stick with Kitna as QB
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
The losses keep mounting and so do the interceptions, but Detroit Lions first-year coach Rod Marinelli isn't going to alter the way he has approached the rebuilding of a team that has now suffered six straight seasons of double-digit defeats, and isn't going to change his quarterback, either.
In the wake of Sunday's loss at New England, which dropped the Lions to 2-10, Marinelli said Jon Kitna will remain his starter for the rest of this season.
And beyond.
"I see Jon as our starter for next year," Marinelli said. "He's going to come in and finish this, because he brings everything that we want. He's a heck of a quarterback."
It's not known if that vote of confidence from Marinelli means the Lions will not consider Brady Quinn of Notre Dame in the 2007 draft. Quinn is regarded near-universally as the top quarterback in the 2007 lottery, perhaps the No. 1 prospect overall, and the Lions, who are tied with the Oakland Raiders for worst record in the NFL, could have the first selection.
Marinelli has been unwavering, though, in his support of Kitna all season. And it is not surprising for him to suggest that the 11-year veteran will be unchallenged for the starting job in 2007, even though some of Kitna's numbers, particularly his interceptions, have become alarming.
(Excerpt) Read more at sports.espn.go.com ...
Kitna's a great guy who understands football on many levels. He'll be a great coach. He's not a good QB, but he is doing surprisingly well (for him) this season. Too many turnovers to be effective though.
It's probably Brady Quinn's job soon. Maybe they'll have Kitna groom him like he did Palmer. Palmer attributes much of his success to Kitna, who is also one of his best friends.
He played very well for most of the game last Sunday but a few bad decisions just killed the Lions.
Lewand should go right after Millen.
And, really, keeping Kitna in and losing games is the right thing. That's the only way Detroit will draft high enough to get Brohm.
The Vikes will eat him alive this weekend.
After fired coaches - Morningweg and Mariucci - and busted draft picks - Harrington and Rogers (although I think Harrington will ultimately do well, if not in Miami then elsewhere) - hasn't ownership figured out that the problem lies elsewhere in the organization? Like maybe the GM's office?
That was a game they could have won last weekend. For people to blame Kitna is shortsighted. Yes, he threw some picks although with Richard Seymour rushing up the gut I would get rid of it too. Who didn't block Colvin on the strip sack?
Losing has become institutionalized up there and it will take a major house cleaning to eliminate it.
Nah, the Lions will just take another receiver in the first round.
Similar to the situation we have here in Washington. If Joe Gibbs can't fix it, maybe it can't be fixed - under Dan Snyder.
I think we're all looking forward to Kitna vs. the vaunted Vikings Defense. Should be one for the ages!
But how can the Lions pass up the chance to use a number 1 pick on a wide reciever. Besides the Lions passed up Leinart and Cutler with the #10 pick this year.
If they have a chance to get Quinn they'll take him over Brohm.
You beat me to that, although if Jerret comes out he actually might be temptimg.
I couldn't figure out why he threw that final pass up for grabs like that since it was only third down.
You maybe right since the owner can't see his GM sucks.
Calvin Johnson will be available.
Maybe they'll trade down for more picks.
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