08-10-2007, 12:30 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Momma McNabb
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Jeffy's house
Posts: 12,476
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With Marinelli its team thats key
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Rod Marinelli has set his priorities on which units he is most interested in watching perform in the Lions' first exhibition.
"Our team," Marinelli said Wednesday about tonight's game against the Bengals at Ford Field. "I want to see us play like a team. Play fast as a team. Hit as a team. Do things right as a team. Eliminate penalties as a team."
The starters on offense and defense will play 10-to-12 plays, Marinelli said. The subs will take over late in the first quarter or at the start of the second.
Each unit has some questions to answer. Among them:
# Kevin Jones' injured left foot forced an overhaul at tailback, with two new veterans. Tatum Bell is the starter and T.J. Duckett is the reserve.
# Tight end and fullback seem to be interchangeable parts. Sean McHugh, the starting fullback late last season, is listed as a reserve tight end. Casey FitzSimmons, a tight end for four seasons, is listed as the No. 1 fullback and has lined up there during practice.
Hot commodity
One of tonight's highlights is the debut of rookie receiver Calvin Johnson , the Lions' first-round pick. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz has said Johnson will get plenty of work.
Johnson has created a buzz around town since signing last week, ending a nine-day absence from camp.
"It's kind of cool, having all the fans out here excited for me to be here," Johnson said. "It makes me more comfortable."
Strength in numbers
One of the differences in this season's roster is there are more quality players.
"There will be some players claimed off this roster," president Matt Millen said, looking to the two mandatory cuts. "There'll be some tough cuts."
Kitna tribute
Jon Kitna was Cincinnati's starting quarterback between 2001-05.
But when the team drafted Carson Palmer first overall in 2003, it made him the starter in '04, putting Kitna on the bench for two years.
Kitna left Cincinnati and signed with Detroit -- as the starter -- before last season.
"He was, without question, the leader of this team," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "Both on the field and behind the scenes. He was an extension of myself and the coaches."
Injury update
The team has gotten through camp without serious injuries. But there are some:
Tight end Dan Campbell (elbow), defensive end Dewayne White (groin) and running back Brian Calhoun (torn knee ligament) won't play
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Marinelli: It's team that's key
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With Marinelli its team thats key
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