Detroit Lions

Falcons Circle For Lions Kill

2005-11-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

Michael Vick connected with tight end Alge Crumpler on two of touchdowns as the Atlanta Falcons romped to a 27-7 victory over the Detroit Lions. Todd Peterson kicked two field goals to improve to 16-of-16 this season for Atlanta (7-4), who snapped a two-game losing streak.

The loss was the fourth in five games for the Lions (4-7).

Atlanta linebacker Keith Brooking says it's a treat to watch his team's running attack in games because it's miserable to play against it in practice. "They just pound guys," Brooking says. "And in the third and fourth quarter, you have a 250-pounder (Duckett) rolling up on you."

The Lions had no answer to the Falcons (7-4) who rolled through them on Thursday, with 256 yards and a victory in this 66th annual Thanksgiving game.

It was the fifth time this season that Atlanta have rushed for more than 200 yards in a game. With 2,014 yards this season, Atlanta even has an outside shot at rushing for 3,000 yards.

Against the Lions, Warrick Dunn had 116 yards in 17 carries and the 254-pound Duckett totaled 72 on 19 tries. Elusive quarterback Michael Vick rushed for 57 yards on six carries.

"The guys just have such different styles that it's like a changeup," Brooking said. "For a defensive player, there is probably nothing worse."

Coach Jim Mora was particularly pleased with the running game because it put up impressive numbers against what he called "an outstanding front."

Considering that the Falcons were on the road after a short week of practice and two difficult home losses, this was a big win, "It's a sign of maturity and a sign of resilience," Mora said.

The Lions (4-7) are getting some heavy criticism in their home-town because of their expectations coming into the season. They tried three quarterbacks against the Falcons, including rookie Dan Orlovsky.

"We made too many mistakes again," said starting quarterback for Detroit, Joey Harrington, who was 6 for 13 for 61 yards and an interception.

Tale Of Two Quarterbacks

2005-11-16T06:19:00.000-08:00

Joe Harrington gave the Lions their best quarterback performance of the season, completing 22 of 32 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns - in a 29-21 victory on Sunday against Arizona. That will probably not be enough to give him the starting quarterback position which sits with Jeff Garcia - despite the latters injury problems.

Harrington has remained professional about the situation - wise in light of the Terrel Owens affair - and has not complained about the situation, stating he will take on whatever Mariucci asks him to take.

"If coach tells me that Jeff's going to start, then I'll be prepared to back him up," Harrington said. "And if coach tells me I'm going to start, then I'm going to be prepared to play. It doesn't change anything I do during my week of prep."

Maybe not - but many think Harrington should still start. He may still - as it is uncertain whether or not Garcia will be ready for Dallas on Sunday.

"We named Jeff the starter a few weeks ago, the week of the Cleveland game," Mariucci said Monday. "Since then I haven't changed my statement."

Garcia was the back up choice turned starter - to Harrington who historically has been number 1 pick for the role.

Lions' Harrington Likely Starter

2005-11-04T10:51:00.000-08:00

Jeff Garcia is too sore to practice at the moment which means that Joey Harrington is likely to get call for the Lions on Sunday at Minnesota. The Lions offense is again in a state of uncertainty - Garcia lasted only two games in his comeback from a broken left leg and sprained ankle.

'It is not that he is suffering a new break or a rebreak of his leg', Mariucci said, 'It's simply just major discomfort in the area around injury'. Mariucci suggested that Garcia will probably be rested for the rest of the week as a result.

In the meantime, Harrington, who has had some good practices in the interim - will move back into the starting job amd hopefully put in an error free performance on the road.

Lions Come Close.

2005-11-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

The Detroit Lions nearly staged an good comeback against Chicago on Sunday - but it all came undone with one miss-throw from Garcia in overtime.

Despite the 19-13 loss, Lions tackle Jeff Backus, a first-round pick in 2001, said it was the franchise's most meaningful game in four-plus seasons and its first significant game in October. Detroit defied the NFL's trademark parity with a 16-48 record from 2001-2004.

"This is a tough game and a tough loss," Mariucci said. "We fought back from a 13-3 deficit and we had some other chances, but they got us on the last play. We have to find a way to win these games, not come close."

Charles Tillman intercepted Jeff Garcia's across-the-body pass and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown with 8:43 left in overtime Sunday, putting Chicago atop the division with a 19-13 win over the Detroit Lions.

In the losing play, Garcia rolled right and tried to throw back across the field to Mike Williams. Tillman stepped in front to intercept and raced untouched to the end zone where he was mobbed by fellow Bears team-mates.