tackle (vb): to seize, grapple with, or throw down with the intention of subduing or stopping.
This definition, along with those of pass rushing and pass defending, ought to be permanently tattooed onto the biceps of every Lions defensive player today -- if there's any room there, once you consider all the Hip-Hop phrases, nicknames, and other self-important ink that football players brand themselves with.
The Lions had given up 35 points with about half the second quarter remaining, yet were still in the game. That is, when the score was 35-21 -- the Lions having scored two quick touchdowns against the Eagles in Philadelphia. With the suddenly explosive Detroit offense, a 14-point deficit with that much football left to be played isn't all that daunting.
But it's hard to come back when your defense plays like matadors. The Lions put on one of the sorriest displays of tackling, pass rushing, and pass defending in recent memory -- which is like saying Ben Affleck made one of his worst movies in recent memory. But this WAS really bad, folks. They made Brian Westbrook -- albeit a talented back -- look like Barry Sanders coated with butter. They turned Kevin Curtis -- and I have no idea how talented he is, because I've seen sandlot games where the receivers had to work harder to get open -- into Jerry Rice with a force field around him. And they couldn't have made things more comfortable for Donovan McNabb in the pocket if they sat him down in a La-Z-Boy with a cold drink and a remote in his hand.
But here's the funny thing. The Lions gave up 56 points, yet that isn't even the most points they've given up in that city, let alone in their history. The '95 Lions surrendered 58 points in a Wild Card game in Philly.
It's pointless, really -- or at least highly redundant -- to break this 56-21 loss down to bite-sized portions. I'm not as interested in talking about this skunking as I am about how the Lions will respond.
The 2-0 start, heady for Detroit, is really nothing in the NFL. We all know that. And yet the mini-streak had media folks around town wondering how the Lions would handle such a modicum of success. Well, consider that question answered.
Now we should wonder how the Lions respond to such a butt-kicking. Mainly because, if this is indeed supposed to be a new thing in 2007, then let's see how nicely the Lions shrug off this demolition at the hands of the Eagles as "just one game." They've got the Bears, who have their own issues after being violated by Dallas last night, visiting this Sunday. Another divisional opponent who's had its way with the Lions over the years.
"I don't get embarrassed," Lions coach Rod Marinelli said yesterday after the game, when a reporter asked him if the game provided him with a red face.
I hope that that's not a challenge the coach is issuing to his players.
"HA! You think THAT is going to embarrass me? Giving up nearly 500 yards in the first HALF? Surrendering touchdowns on the Eagles' first five possessions? Ya gotta do better than THAT, men!"
I shudder to think.
Well, to be honest, I don't care if Marinelli is embarrassed. His players are the ones who should be. The defense, in addition to the above-mentioned tattooing, ought to have their home theatre systems rigged so the tape of yesterday's game shows up on every channel. An endless loop. I'm reminded of former Tampa Bay coach John McKay.
"What do you think of your team's execution?," he was once asked of his brutal Bucs.
"I'm all for it," McKay drolly answered. At least I think he was kidding.
No, I'm not suggesting that the Lions' defense be taken out back and shot. Not at all.
After yesterday, that's too good for them.
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