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One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

10/12/2008

Trading Roy unlikely

Tony Gonzalez might get his wish and a way out of Kansas City by Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline, but I don't expect Roy Williams to be going anywhere.

The Lions, as always, will listen to offers and be in contact with potential suitors, but the feeling here is they're in no rush to move Williams when they can keep him around for 11 more weeks and get the same compensation (more, maybe) in an offseason deal.

Williams is a free-agent-to-be and the Lions' likely will look to franchise him in the offseason with the intent of trading him for players and/or draft picks. The Chiefs did it last year with Jared Allen (to Minnesota for a first-rounder) and the Packers with Corey Williams (to Cleveland for a second).

If I was running the Lions I'd take the Miami approach — the Dolphins traded Chris Chambers to San Diego at last year's deadline for a second-round pick. But I'm not, and those who are still believe they can turn the season around.

A couple other Sunday notes: BodogLife.com put the over/under at 1 1/2 for number of starts Drew Stanton makes this year. If I was a gambler, I'd go over. Dan Orlovsky will make his first NFL start today and Jon Kitna could be back in the lineup if he's healthy next week against Houston, but I still think Stanton will get soon. (I'm thinking next month now, either Nov. 9 against Jacksonville or Nov. 23 against Tampa Bay). Once Stanton's in, he's there to stay.

Cliff Avril is active again today in place of Ikaika Alama-Francis. The Lions want to counter Adrian Peterson's rushing ability with speedy linemen, and Avril fits the bill after playing well in 31 snaps last week against Chicago. Avril could be the rare good draft find by Matt Millen. He'll have a role with the Lions no matter who the coach is and what system they run next year (Avril could be a 3-4 outside linebacker).

Lastly, don't expect much out of Rudi Johnson in his first start today. The Vikings have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL and I can't see the Lions in position to run the ball much at the Metrodome. I'm also predicting six sacks by Minnesota today and some mop-up duty for Stanton late.

1 Comments:

Blogger Jason said...

Well you were right about the 6 sacks..

8:51 PM 

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