Lions' First Play Sunday Should Be "The Bombarooski"

In October, 1981, the Lions were slated to play the Bears on "Monday Night Football." Our team was, as usual, struggling to find its way through the season, sitting at 2-4, I believe. The decision was made to start rookie Eric Hipple at quarterback instead of veteran Gary Danielson. On national television, no less.

Well, on the Lions' first play from scrimmage, as Howard Cosell chuckled in the booth and said, "I love it!", Hipple threw a long, 49-yard bomb to Leonard Thompson. The crowd roared. Hipple destroyed the Bears, throwing four touchdown passes and running for two others in a 48-17 victory. A star was born, sort of.

If I was Greg Olson, the Lions' new, temporary offensive coordinator, I would call much the same play right out of the gate Sunday against the Vikings at Ford Field. Despite Jeff Garcia's below-average arm, I would throw what former coach Bum Phillips used to call "the bombarooski."

"Throw the bombarooski!"

If Olson turns Garcia into the Mad Bomber (apologies to Daryle Lamonica) for at least that first play, it would a) bring the Lions fans to their feet and get them into the game early; b) make the Vikings think, and c) function as a symbolic, almost cathartic move for Lions players (especially the receivers) and fans alike. Garcia could wing that ball, heave it as far as he can, and in the process relieve tons of pressure and tension that's been building up around the Lions all week -- indeed, all season. Maybe even all decade.

The pass doesn't even have to be completed, though that wouldn't hurt. Just don't have it intercepted. But if it falls incomplete, so be it. I still think the fans would stand in unison and approve.

Just make sure Greg Olson knows you heard it here first.