Harrington unfairly under fire

By John Onan  |   Saturday, September 03, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Detroit Lions
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The talk around Detroit has once again turned to Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington. Code words like potential, consistency, and performance are popping up all over the place, particularly after Jeff Garcia was brought in during the off season by his former coach, Steve Mariucci. Now Garcia is out with a broken leg, so the perceived competition is over but the questions will still persist.

Critics say no excuses will be allowed this year; Harrington must produce immediately or be replaced. They speak of the Detroit Lions offense as if it's on par with that of the Indianapolis Colts. The critics are mistaken; Joey Harrington is not Payton Manning, none of the young receivers are as accomplished as Marvin Harrison. Kevin Jones is another "potential" star, but not on the level of Edgerrin James just yet.

The Detroit Lions were showcased on national television and exposed to a certain extent by the St. Louis Rams this past week. But then again, it was a meaningless pre-season game, in which the number one goal is to get your team in football shape without getting them hurt.
However, the weaknesses along the offensive line and defensively are glaring at this point. No doubt Harrington and the talented offense will make plays, but this line must give Harrington decent protection. Poor blocking makes any quarterback, no matter if it's Harrington or Manning, come across as lacking.

Mariucci has rallied to the side of Joey Harrington early on, but we're not for certain if he means it, or is just not trying to tear away at the young man‘s confidence. Right now, he understands what many in the media don't; that the Lions have more pressing questions than the signal-caller position. If the defense doesn't step up and respond to Mariucci's cracking of the whip this week, it won't much matter who's behind center. They'll be playing catch up all year long.
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