Monday, April 26, 2004
ALLEN PARK -- The draft is over, but here is one more move to be made by the Detroit Lions -- and it's the most crucial of all.
Go get veteran quarterback Kerry Collins. Or Kurt Warner. Or Jon Kitna. Just get somebody.
Collins might be the best option. Make the New York Giants a trade offer they can't refuse and give up a draft choice from next season and give them whatever they want. And, if the Lions are truly lucky, it will be the biggest waste of a draft pick and money since the Ty Detmer deal.
Yes, it makes sense. Just follow along.
Let's say that Joey Harrington, in his crucial third season, becomes everything the Lions hope he will be. Then acquiring Collins means Detroit has simply overinsured themselves at that position. No harm, no foul. And Collins might come cheaper than the Lions think because the Giants just picked up rookie Eli Manning, who could start in his first season.
So, for the sake of argument, let's assume that Harrington struggles and is not going to be the player the Lions need. This is a pivotal year for him and the standard for acceptable play has been raised considerably. If Harrington doesn't live up to it, a change will likely be made.
Lions president Matt Millen and head coach Steve Mariucci have done such a phenomenal job of amassing quality offensive talent that it would be a sin to let it spoil while a quarterback struggles to get them the ball. There is no more waiting for "next year" and there are no more excuses.
With their current roster, backup Mike McMahon would be the next quarterback in line and starting him at some point during this season would be one of the dumbest moves the team could make.
Mariucci loves everything about McMahon and believes he can become a quality NFL starter. Mariucci might be right about that, but it's not going to happen this year. In his first three seasons, McMahon has only started seven games and most of those starts were in hopeless situations. He's not ready yet, not even close.
If the Lions aren't sure Harrington is the guy after he's started 28 games, why would they be convinced McMahon's ready after seven starts? To think McMahon is going to step in and be productive immediately is wishful -- and dangerous -- thinking.
McMahon isn't going to get appreciably better this training camp because the bulk of practice repetitions will go to Harrington, as they should.
That's why Collins is critical to the puzzle.
If Harrington flames out, Collins can step in and get the offense humming. He's a veteran and he'll pick up the system quickly.
With the addition of Pro Bowl guard Damien Woody and speedy skilled players Roy Williams and Kevin Jones joining Charles Rogers, the Lions have a chance to be explosive. Collins has the experience and the ability to make it work.
And the arrival of Collins in no way diminishes McMahon's future. If McMahon is going to be the focus next year, Collins reverts to a backup role and -- here's the best part -- Collins will already have experience in the system if it turns out McMahon isn't the guy either.
Collins is the ideal insurance policy that can pay huge dividends in any case of calamity. Not only if players are ineffective, but in case of injury as well.
OK, let's quit being negative and assume that Harrington turns into a Pro Bowl type quarterback. If that happens, there's no question that McMahon is going to bolt next season when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. By signing Collins now, the Lions already have that role filled and there's no chance of getting caught short next season.
The Lions currently have Rick Mirer as the team's No. 3 quarterback and he's serving no useful purpose. If he's ever forced to play, he's not good enough to be consistent and productive, something he proved last year with the Oakland Raiders, his eighth NFL season.
It's time for the Lions to go get Kerry Collins. Any future success might depend on it.
RESTORE THE ROAR IN 2004
