Like most things related to the Detroit Lions, second-year offensive coordinator Mike Martz just isn't working out. He deserves some of the blame for the lack of production, as does head coach Rod Marinelli for hiring him. And there's always room to point a few fingers at Matt Millen because, well, he's Matt Millen.
But the guy known for orchestrating the Greatest Show on Turf with the Rams almost 10 years ago has had far less success with the Lions. Obviously, the talent gap between the two clubs has a lot to do with it, but so too does Martz' unwavering devotion to the passing game. And that'll likely hasten his departure this off-season:
Rod Marinelli is supposed to be an old-school, fundamentals-first football coach. Martz coached the entire month of November as though he had left all his running plays in his car.The Detroit Free Press' Michael Rosenberg also writes that Martz fancies himself something of a talent scout even though his record suggests otherwise:
Martz arrived here with a well-earned reputation as an offensive whiz. The problem is that when you bring in Martz, you get more than just his brain. You get a coordinator who still thinks of himself as one of the best head coaches in the league. You get a coach who expects to build his own offense, which is not necessarily the offense the head coach wants.
Martz on Tatum Bell, before this season: "Tatum right now is a different level. He's better than I thought he'd be, to be honest with you ... He's the whole package. ... He's got so much juice to him.Bell last played in Week 5. When he had four carries. For 15 yards.
Martz may not have a nose for identifying talent, but Matt Millen's made a career out of it, so anything's possible. In Martz does leave, though, Millen will be tasked with finding a new offensive coordinator ... with predictable results, no doubt.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. The secret to the Lions offense (or lack of it) goes directly back to the offensive line. Breakdowns in blocking for both the pass and the run. Too many sacks of Kitna, very few open lanes for running backs to exploit. Too many penalties for holding and movement.
The offensive line has definitely been offensive, but not in the way that wins games.
Take a look at the running production at Minnesota. Does anyone believe that Adrian Peterson would do the same job without Steve Hutchinson blocking for him? I dont!
Posted at 2:00AM on Dec 28th 2007 by houchens
2. Another convenient scapegoat...in the Millen Regime.
Another wasted year.....The owner vacations in Palm Beach.....and Millen wiil fly back to PA to cash his paycheck. Even Fox is into the act....covering Millens behind....Howie Long...calls Martz a rougue offensive coach....(Shame on you Howie....I understand he's your friend...however....How can you defend Millen). Matt Millen is the worst GM this town has ever had....We've heard more from Osama Bin Ladin in the past year...than Millen or the Owner Mr Ford. It's one thing to lose and be bumbling....Its another to lose.....and still be egotistical ....and arrogant. THANKS...MATT ...FOR ANOTHER WASTED YEAR!!!
Posted at 9:33AM on Jan 2nd 2008 by mike shepard