Jon Kitna, the Lions offense and Mike Martz's departure

[Crackajg]

We were all pleasantly surprised with the Lions' early offensive play last year. The question is, how much of an impact will Mike Martz's departure have on some of the success the offense had last year? Will it have the most impact on Jon Kitna himself? They still have all of the weapons from last year, but they'll have to utilize them in a completely different scheme. Good or bad?

As for Martz, do you think his complex offensive scheme will be able to turn the 49ers into an at least functional offense?

[footballsimp]

With the Lions, I see more running which means balance. Kevin Smith COULD do good things there.

I also see them running less 2-4WR sets and utilizing their bread and butter in better ways. Kitna's pass attempts go way down, which means his overall numbers go down too.

I dont see Roy Williams plummeting, maybe dropping a couple slots, I see Calvin Johnson improving on his rookie season.

But that is a total guess. They're gonna go to the play-offs this year didn't you hear.

As far as the 49ers go. That offense can't do any worse. I am banking on Gore playing the Marshall Faulk role. He is their only weapon, lets be realistic. I am looking at Isaac Bruce being their #1 receiver which doesn't say much. I will pay VERY close attention to how they use Vernon Davis. That to me will be one of the more interesting storylines this off-season.

[Crackajg]

As far as the 49ers go. That offense can't do any worse. I am banking on Gore playing the Marshall Faulk role. He is their only weapon, lets be realistic. I am looking at Isaac Bruce being their #1 receiver which doesn't say much. I will pay VERY close attention to how they use Vernon Davis. That to me will be one of the more interesting storylines this off-season.

Yeah, I'm thinking Vernon Davis is going to benefit a lot from having Martz come to town. I know Martz isn't known for his tight end usage, but it's been reported he plans on using Davis as a wideout and that he's admitted he's never had a tight end like Vernon before.

[Mudd]

The Lions offense is going to awful this year. The Lions problem last year was NOT Martz, proof of this was early in the season. The Lions problem was they couldn't stop ANYONE and Martz had no other option but throw throw throw.

I think Martz gets a bad rap as a pass happy OC. I truly believe he is smart enough to use the weapons he has to the best of their ability. When he took over in STL, he had Bruce in his prime, Tory Holt and Az Haakim. Last year, he had a TERRIBLE Oline, a mediocre at best RB, and all the weapons on O were at WR.

I also believe the 9ers O will be good enough to sustain some drives, and let the D rest, which will be much improved this year. This in turn will give Gore many carries late in the game. I think the biggest concern with 9ers is at the QB position. I think Smith is more than capable, but it will take him 4-6 games to get completely comfortable. Once that happens, it 9ers could be a very interesting team.

[moochman]

Where to start. The Lions got rid of Martz, whose track record suggest is genius as an OC. They replaced him with Colletto, whose track record suggest he is an idiot as an OC.
They have one proven vet RB coming off his worst season of his career, and a rookie taken in the 3rd round.
They passed on the better OL for more of a reach in Cherilus.
They want to commit to a conservative run first game plan.
They have a terrible D.
Kitna will be allowed to call more audibles.
Passing game will be more basic.

I can see the run game improve if only becuase of increased number of carries. Commitment will equal some measure of improvement.
I can see the pass game diminished greatly. Gone are 4K yd seasons from Kitna. He will audible into pass plays that won't have Martz knack for surprise and that will equal more INTs and less TDs.
I can see Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson still putting up FFB viable numbers, but Furrey and McDonalds days in the un have passed.
Bell and Smith will have a fight to see who gets the bulk of what will likely be mediocre numbers. Look for a vet RB signing before the season starts, so that could change things.

I guess I cannot be as optimistic on Kitna's chances to be near the FFB force he was the last two seasons. Increased risk and decreased reward.

[deerayfan072]

I still see Roy and CJ2 having solid years. They are too talented not to get open and catch passes. They also can make things happen after they get the ball