Our Lion Sleeps Tonight

I haven't the slightest clue as to what gives Detroit Lion fans hope each and every year. Prior to the season, my family and friends praise our revamped roster, speculating such things as "16 and 0" or "first playoff appearance since '99" or "1st super bowl ever". Each year a fresh new Simba is added to the Lion family, and with each addition, new hopes arise.



At least until Week 1.

Maybe Week 2 if they get an easy first game.

Charles Rogers! - bust. Mike Williams! - bust. Tatum Bell! - bust. Jon Kitna - ehhh, borderline bust. Going to my uncles house with the family on NFL Sunday begins in high spirits, chatting about the Lions' soon-to-be success. This usually lasts until about 5 minutes into the game when either the opposing team scores, or the Lions accumulate -42 yards of offense. Sometimes we make bets to see which one will happen first. Sadly, its more entertaining than the game.

Its sad that a day beginning with high hopes, laughter, and cheer regularly ends with supreme disappointment, explicit remarks in front of young children, and a change of the channel. Yet, each year we never expect this to happen again. What makes us expect a change? Over the passed 7 seasons, all under our fearless leader Matt Millen, the Lions are the proud owners of the NFL's worst win percentage (.277), have had zero winning seasons, zero playoff games, and never finished better than 3rd in the "phenomenal" NFC North.

I'm beginning to have 25% less things to worry about in Detroit Sports.