Kitna and Detroit's Offense (1 Viewer)

[Hugonel]

Roy Williams finally came to life but it still seems the lack of a really good #2 is going to be a problem unless Fat Mike comes off the bench.

Kitna threw his first (and second) TD v. the lousy Packer defense. Of those who watched, does Kitna have what it takes to turn Detroit around or was Sunday a fluke? (Yeah, I know they lost, but the Pack threw up 31 points).

 

[J R]

Remember that the Lions first 2 games were against the Seahawks and Bears. So if you're going to mentally take points off of Kitna's TDs for coming against a "lousy" defense, you should make a similar adjustment the other way.

Good topic - I'm interested in what observers have to say as well.

 

[bostonfred]

Maybe it takes a couple weeks to get people comfortable in the system.

In **** Vermeil's first year installing the Mike Martz system for the Chiefs, Priest Holmes had 69 total yards and no TDs after the first two games. In the next 14 games, he put up 2100 yards and 10 TDs. Trent Green had 406 yards, a TD, and 2 INTs the first two games. The rest of the season, he put up 3377 yards, 16 TDs and 22 INTs. His leading receivers were Gonzalez and Holmes, neither of whom had 1000 yards. His wideouts Marvin "snoop" Minnis and Derrick Alexander combined for less than 1000 yards.

In Mike Martz's first year installing the Mike Martz system for the Lions, Kevin Jones had 162 yards, and no TDs in his first two games. In his third, he got 123 yards and a score. Kitna had 459 passing yards and no passing TDs in his first two games. He had 342 yards and 2 passing TDs in his third game. Roy Williams is a much better receiver than Minnis or Alexander, and probably a bette fit for the offense than Gonzo. Kevin Jones seems to be doing pretty well catching the ball, too.

Trent Green was developed by Martz for two years before he came to St. Louis, and was supposed to be the opening day starter before getting hurt and giving way to Kurt Warner. Kitna has a lot of experience learning new systems and was a top 5 QB just two years ago.

The 2006 Lions could end up comparing favorably to that 2001 KC team. I'm not saying it will happen, but it very well could.

 

[Mootej]

Went to the game, same old product year after year. Lions look good to start, lose down the stretch, come within moments of clinching it and losing it in the last seconds.

The fire Millen signs are already coming out at the stadium.

Don't get me wrong. I think Kitna looked great. But did anybody see the Sunday Morning play that Hoge played of Kevin Jones from Week 2? A huge whole opened by the line into the endzone and Jones heads straight to the sideline.

No, they will not turn this around till they fire Millen.

 

[trader jake]

Don't get me wrong. I think Kitna looked great. But did anybody see the Sunday Morning play that Hoge played of Kevin Jones from Week 2? A huge whole opened by the line into the endzone and Jones heads straight to the sideline.

Maybe we'll just agree to disagree here. I thought Kitna looked poor during the game and missed out on numerous opportunities to convert big plays. His accuracy just wasn't there. Mike Furrey could have caught 3 or 4 more pases himself had Kitna been able to put the ball on target.Kitna should do well against inferior defenses like the Packers but I wouldn't get my hopes up too high on him based on his week 3 numbers. Just my 2 cents.

 

[a_f13nd]

Don't get me wrong. I think Kitna looked great. But did anybody see the Sunday Morning play that Hoge played of Kevin Jones from Week 2? A huge whole opened by the line into the endzone and Jones heads straight to the sideline.

Maybe we'll just agree to disagree here. I thought Kitna looked poor during the game and missed out on numerous opportunities to convert big plays. His accuracy just wasn't there. Mike Furrey could have caught 3 or 4 more pases himself had Kitna been able to put the ball on target.Kitna should do well against inferior defenses like the Packers but I wouldn't get my hopes up too high on him based on his week 3 numbers. Just my 2 cents.

Faces a lot of weak defenses, doesn't it?

 

[mt99808]

They were saying on the radio yesterday that when M. Williams came in at the end of the game that the Packers were doubling him. I'm more confused than ever

 

[a_f13nd]

They were saying on the radio yesterday that when M. Williams came in at the end of the game that the Packers were doubling him. I'm more confused than ever

This is the Packers we are talking about. Their defense can be put in the category of inept without hurting anyone's feelings.

 

[V1LL]

lions 0 will be big this week for sure after that?? who knows?

 

[lod2005]

As soon as Martz wakes up from his coma and realizes that Furrey, Bradford, Drummond, Bodiford, Hakim are all 2nd stringers and not 1st string, then they might do something.

 

[Hugonel]

I am not sure I can agree that he's inaccurate.

I didn't watch the whole game, but 63% isn't bad so it looks like accuracy isn't so much a problem with Kitna.

Moreover, one pick in 107 attempts shows he's protecting the ball fairly well.

 

[gump]

When the Lions' season starts look like a 16-gamer and nothing more...how long will it be before Marinelli tries the younger more mobile McCown?

 

[perry147]

There was a great article in TSN magazine about this and it seems that the writer believed that in the personal of the lions does not fit the offense they are trying to run. Roy Williams is good enough to play in any systems but the other WR are not. KJ does a good job of getting more involved in the passing game both catching and in pass protection - which in this system with a spread offense is a must.

The piece went on to say that Kitna has all the tools needed to succeed in the Martz system which calls for quick reads and is very mentally challenging as well as demanding physically.

 

[baaloc1968]

I am not sure I can agree that he's inaccurate.I didn't watch the whole game, but 63% isn't bad so it looks like accuracy isn't so much a problem with Kitna.Moreover, one pick in 107 attempts shows he's protecting the ball fairly well.

Not to mention that the one pick should have been a pass interference call against the Packers defense. Kitna has been solid, but not spectacular. Yes, a few passes to Furrey were a little off, but some balls have been dropped by the receivers (including Roy). Also, take into consideration that the Lions have not been able to play their starting offensive line as a unit. The Lions are considering looking at signing another o lineman due to the injury situation.