Detroit Lions don’t deserve a player like Charles Woodson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a pass while being defended by Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (21) during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Packers defeated the Panthers 30-23. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Charles Woodson’s second venture in free agency is not as glamourous as many predicted, and with the tunnel of time collapsing on another chance, desperation has set in the form of the Detroit Lions.

Woodson told the Detriot news about the possible location change.

“Here’s the thing about the Lions, the Lions have players. What the Lions haven’t been able to do is put it together. That winning attitude and to be able to start those winning ways, it has to start somewhere. So, would I be open? Sure.”

Now everyone knows Woodson’s sentimentality for the stage of Michigan. Accruing a Heisman trophy and National Championship were the ultimate gifts bestowed to a state hoping for skates and hockey sticks to create national attention.

The Detroit Lions do not deserve a player like Charles Woodson. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Lions in my personal opinion have not progressed and do not deserve the talent of a Charles Woodson near the end of his career.

Now don’t go, “8 Mile”, on me Detriot. You have gone through enough considering the financial meltdown and General Motors fiascos. However, your team is not the New Orleans Saints, and Ford Field is not the Super Dome.

Quite simply, the Lions cannot compete with the elite and do not have the coaching to accommodate a defensive playmaker the caliber of Woodson.

Why is that? Well look at the team’s makeup. Wayward receiver Titus Young created his own routes during the Thanksgiving game, for starters. Multiple substance abuse violations by Nick Fairley as well as demonstrating his lack of awareness with a Super Bowl prediction.

The difference between today’s championship teams to that of the 80s and 90s, is quite clearly the coaching and attitude of the team.

No longer are the “rah-rah” cheering teams to wins, but execution and preparation combined with calm character create those titles.

Wait, you may say the Baltimore Ravens are the exception to that rule, but if you look closely, the team had Ray Lewis as the Trojan Horse, but Joe Flacco was the true leader. Calm, calculated and prepared under pressure.

The Lions are not any of these.

Stomping opponents, DUI’s, and predictions based on roster strength are all red flags to any free agent in my opinion, but with Coach Jim Schwartz, this attitude is bred and free to roam.

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz suffers from the “little man” disease. Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Schwartz’s obvious “little-man” syndrome is the slighted attitude that gets coaches fired. Visibly sparring with San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh was the appetizer, and now his players have delivered the entree of bad behavior.

Todd Haley administered a similar attitude with the Chiefs with an unrelenting bark, and look how quickly a team with a stellar defensive and a potent running game cowered under his leadership.

There are incredible bright spots and potential for the team, but what are record-breaking players like Calvin Johnson supposed to do with a team constantly in flux with “me-first” attitudes? Furthermore, what will happen for QB Matt Stafford behind a crumpling line?

Obviously Woodson covets competition and who can blame him? He undoubtably helped tangle Vikings Adrian Peterson in the Wildcard game last year, and can still deliver heavy hits to the opposition.

Woodson has earned his rings, claimed his legacy and created a hall of fame career. Please, save the time and effort for the vast podiums of the future.