We are gathered here today to honor the fallen Detroit Lions.

In what can be called the worst team in NFL History, the Detroit Lions fell against the Packers 31-21 at Lambeau Field. This forever seals them in the annals of history as the only team since the 1992 expansion to go 0-16 in a single season. It's a horrible, horrible thing to be able to claim, and I would like to express my condolences towards a team that has fallen so far since the Barry Sanders day into a deep pit of pathetic insignificance. I would hope that this is the first, and last time in our lives that we have to witness such a horrible sight that the front office and coaching staff dares to call a football team.

I place the blame first, foremost, and completely on the shoulders on the coaching staff and the owner, knowing that I echo the thoughts of thousands of disappointed Lion fans as I say that. No matter how inferior the players are, no matter how deep the underdog, a team should be able to grind out a game at some point during the season. The sole blame rests on the shoulders of Rod Marinelli, whom has successfully taken his team down to the very bottom ranks of the NFL. Year after year of taking wideouts in the 1st round of the draft, not preparing for the future while the rest of your players are getting old, it all finally caught up with Detroit.

There is hope though. And you can look no further than the Miami Dolphins to prove this fact. After going 1-15 the previous year, the Miami Dolphins cleaned house in the coaching staff and shored up their offence by rebuilding their offensive line through free agency and taking Jake Long in the draft. They also signed Chad Pennington to play QB, and he's done a great job all season long.

The Lions hold the first pick in the NFL draft, and they will have plenty of money to work with in free agency. Great QB's are coming out of college in Matt Stafford and Sam Bradford. You can't miss with either one of them. In addition, they have another 1st round pick from the Cowboys that they should get around the middle rounds of the 1st round.

The best course of action in this team is a complete rehaul. Fire the head coach, fire both coordinators, and make a examination of all the assistants to find the gems in the rough before firing the majority of them as well. There is the argument to not fire any coaches until you know you can do better, but at this point you're at the bottom of the barrel so you don't have to worry about that. Then you need to raid the free agency market and pick up as many good players as you can. Try to find a veteran QB that can lead your team to comeback wins. There will be more of these than usual this year, some of the notables being Matt Hassleback, Matt Cassel, and perhaps even McNabb. If you get one of them and find a trade partner in the NFL Draft, you can trade down and get some more picks.

In free agency, just shell out the money.

The most important need this team has is the defensive line. The only worthy starters on the D-Line is Cory Redding and Dewayne White, and even then for only another year or two as they're both approaching old age. The Lions rank dead last in the league in rushing yards allowed, and that's because they're constantly being split apart like an argry couple on every single play.

Their second most pressing need is a shutdown corner. It's amazing how many big plays that they allow, especially in the running game. When the ball gets run to their side, they are no help whatsoever. It seems like they're in lala land, wondering why the wideout is blocking him instead of trying to catch a pass.

Their 3rd most important need is a strong safety. The Free Safety on the other side never seems to miss his tackle, but Dwight Smith tends to always get lost in coverage. He cannot find the football, he doesn't watch the QB eyes. He just plain smells. I'm going to put it blunt. He stinks. Get a new one!

4th most important need is a new QB. You have a great wideout in Calvin Johnson, whom has been praised to be as good "As player as Terrell Owens without all of the attitude issues." Get someone who can get him the ball. There are few rules in the NFL draft, but one of the unwritten rules is this: When a franchise QB is within your reach and you do not have one, you pick the franchise QB. You need someone who can win you those close games, and it's not going to happen without throwing the football a little bit. It would be preferable if you could get a veteran in free agency, but if all else fails you have the #1 pick in the NFL Draft.

That's all I would really ask for the Lions to do this off-season. They do this and they should break even and have a chance at the playoffs. What should they not do? Do NOT pick a wideout in the first round of the NFL Draft. You would be making yourself a mockery for the entire NFL to see. I'm not even going to begin to make an argument why you are not supposed to do it. Just don't do it.

I'll talk about the Panther game tomarrow, but for today I hold woe in my heart for the Detroit Lions.