Hotel Putingrad

January 4th, 2017 at 10:57 AM ^

given the paucity of talent on the roster, he's done a remarkable job. I'm not a fan of his clock or challenge management, but you can't ignore two playoff appearances and the best winning percentage of any Lions coach in the Super Bowl era. If they get a healthy Abdullah back and a draft an impact pass rusher, they should make the playoffs again next year, even if Austin departs. In sum, a Harbaugh is not walking through that door.

Joined: 12/10/2014

MGoPoints: 212926

TheCool

January 4th, 2017 at 11:42 AM ^

I've been a Lions fan all my life and I'm starting to hate Lions' fans. Most fans just can't separate their sad emotions that are remnants of the distant past with the more recent past and present.

When's the last time the Lions made the playoffs in 2 out of 3 years? Let's take a coach who made the playoffs through a season plagued with injuries to key players and has made the playoffs 2 out of 3 years and fire him. Let's rebuild! Just dumb. Different franchises have different expectations and the Lions are not the Patriots so looking at multiple playoff appearances like they are not relevant to keeping a coach is lunacy.

Also, I don't get why so many fans dislike Caldwell. The most common complaint is his sideline facial expressions which is just an utterly ridiculous reason to dislike a coach. He's too conservative? Lie.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/why-nfl-coaches-take-no-chances-1482880499

http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/12/28/14101514/jim-caldwell-most-agg…

He's definitely made mistakes, in my opinion, with clock management and challenges, but not enough to want him fired considering every single coach makes errors in those regards. I think I know the real reasons some fans don't like him and one of them is that those fans won't like any coach. They just like to complain because it makes them feel smart.

Joined: 07/13/2011

MGoPoints: 7155

uncle leo

January 4th, 2017 at 12:29 PM ^

Jim Caldwell because this team is winning in spite of him, not because of him. He's continued to play it safe in multiple occasions (punting in plus territory several times, some of which from the 40). His clock management is still real bad, and other than being a good motivator, I just don't know what he does.

People keep talking about how great it is that this team is making the playoffs. This team had a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY to win the division and they absolutely wet the bed. I don't give a damn about the competition, it's the NFL, sometimes you just have to jump up and beat someone you aren't supposed to. It has happened before.

Joined: 07/29/2012

MGoPoints: 34639

nerv

January 4th, 2017 at 11:46 AM ^

The one thing I will say is I hope this doesnt cost us Austin. I believe he is the best coach on the Lions and losing him would really sting. He has MacGuyvered a competent D together out of a rubber band and some tinsel. Hopefully we can get him to stay next year with the option of him taking over for Caldwell down the road (sooner rather than later). 

I will agree that next year looks to be rough. Will have a similar roster with a much tougher schedule. It seems unlikely our myriad of 4th quarter magic and good fortune lasts a second year. Letting Caldwell keep his job then be the fall guy next year after we struggle certainly has some merits.

Home: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Atlanta, Carolina, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Arizona

Away: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Cincinnati, N.Y. Giants

That is a much tougher road to climb.. especially when you consider we will be playing 3x as many games outside as we did this year. Stafford and this roster as a whole have notoriously struggled when not playing in a dome.

Joined: 04/14/2009

MGoPoints: 14242

nerv

January 4th, 2017 at 12:44 PM ^

How much can you do in a year? The Lions have 8 draft picks, 4 of which are round 5 or later. I like what Quinn is doing in the draft and hopefully well get some solid players. But expecting more than 3 or so rookies to productively contribute is asking a lot. We'll be drafting lower than usual as well.

I actually don't know what the FA market is like this season; but like every other season its expensive. We'll make somes but nothing that will dramatically alter the team. Were going to have to give Warford some money too.

I think we'll have more talent next year but I do feel this roster is at least another offseason away. I believe we have had great coaching this year but it has been more to do with the coordinators than the head coach.

Joined: 04/14/2009

MGoPoints: 14242

uncle leo

January 4th, 2017 at 12:42 PM ^

Stop comparing the Lions to the Lions. 

"He's the best coach in Lions history."

Essentially like out of all the pieces of bologna, he's the one that's moderately tolerable.

Joined: 07/29/2012

MGoPoints: 34639