Status Quo for Lions

Football Betting Lines

12/20/2006 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Detroit Lions have never beaten Brett Favre in Lambeau Field, and despite the veteran quarterback's three interceptions, nothing changed this past Sunday. Detroit lost for the 12th time this season (and seventh time in seven tries on the road).

"The effort and the energy was there, the execution was not," Lions coach Rod Marinelli said. "It was not good enough."

That has been the theme in Detroit this year. In fact, with this being the sixth consecutive double-digit-loss season, that has been the theme since basically the start of the millennium (or "Millen-nium").

Jon Kitna threw a pair of interceptions and has now thrown a pick in 12 straight games - seven of which were multi-pick games.

The running game seems to have gone on Injured Reserve along with Kevin Jones and his Lisfranc foot injury. Ex-Ram Arlen Harris (and ex-Lion, too - he was initially cut after training camp) carried the ball nine times for 18 yards. Harris was able to catch five balls for 33 yards, but that had a lot to do with the Lions' inability to get the rock downfield to the receivers. Harris is expected to start the final two weeks of the season.

"It's terribly frustrating," Kitna said. "You play this game and every week the only goal is to win. And when you're not doing it, the frustration mounts. It's just...what can you say? It's frustrating. You can't let it crush you."

MIKE WILLIAMS SHOWS UP

In a classic example of looking on the bright side, it can be noted that Lions fans watching the game Sunday finally got to see glimpses of former first- round pick Mike Williams. The 6-4, 229-pounder from USC was the oversized target wearing No. 88 who beat Charles Woodson over the middle on more than one occasion.

"About the last four weeks, I thought each week in practice he's been getting better," said Marinelli of Williams. "How he's doing and how he's performing. As he grows you can see the impact he can have for us.

"I mean, that's a positive today. I just want to keep encouraging him to get better, to do things right every day, how he practices and prepares. As he can see, we need him."

Heading into Sunday, Williams had been active for just five games and had registered one catch on the year. Against the Packers, he had three receptions for 42 yards, and also drew a pass interference penalty.

Mike Martz has not been fond of the ex-Trojan's practice habits or lack of professionalism and the Lions offense demands more speed at the wideout position than what Williams offers. But after watching Williams work the middle against Green Bay, it is obvious that he possesses certain skills that you want on the field. One can't help but wonder if a move to the tight end position wouldn't be a bad idea. The problem there, however, is that Williams probably cannot be counted on to learn new assignments (he has struggled with the ones he has as it is), and he would almost certainly be a liability as a blocker.

The Lions will have a chance to evaluate Williams and get a better feel for what he is able to do over the final two weeks of the season. His outing in Week 15 was a good start.

NFL SUSPENDS ASSISTANT FOR ONE GAME

Lions defensive line coach Joe Cullen has been suspended by commissioner Roger Goodell for one game for what was described as "conduct detrimental to the team." Cullen made headlines back in the preseason for going through a Wendy's drive-thru sans clothing. Eight days after that citation, he was arrested for driving under the influence.

The Lions had already suspended Cullen earlier in the season but he was permitted to work with the defensive line throughout the week. In this instance, he cannot.

"The league had previously informed us of this possibility, so this was not unexpected," Marinelli said in a statement. "I do want to say that I am really proud of how Joe has responded to his mistake. He has been getting treatment and has done a commendable job in dealing with his problem. He has definitely learned from his mistake and has moved forward in a very positive manner."

WHO'S HOT

Linebacker Paris Lenon had a nice showing against his former Packer team. Lenon intercepted a Brett Favre pass in the end zone, and also led Detroit with eight tackles on the afternoon.

WHO'S NOT

Quarterback Jon Kitna struggled working behind a very sub-par offensive line. Kitna was 16-of-26 for 135 yards, with zero touchdowns, and three turnovers (two interceptions, one lost fumble).

NEXT UP

The Lions host the Chicago Bears on Christmas Eve. This potential massacre should be watered down by the fact that the Bears have clinched homefield advantage throughout the playoffs and thus will have nothing to play for.

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Andy Benoit is the author of Touchdown 2006: Everything You Need to Know About the NFL This Year. For more information or to contact Benoit, visit www.touchdown2006.com.