Lion Hall of famer: On the Lions next season, Matt Millen and the team's losing

culture
June 22, 2008

Hall of Famer Lem Barney discusses the Lions:


Can the Lions win next season? I think the Lions can. Every man during every play has to give their all. And everybody has to stay healthy. Last year they were pretty rattled in the secondary.

What is your opinion of Matt Millen? Hey, that's not a fair question. You are going to get me in trouble. It's hard for me to say. I will be a Lion the rest of my life.

But? I think he has the capability to be a good general manager. He's just had some ups and downs. ... You can't just blame Matt. Players have to want to win, too. You have to be hungry enough. Look at what Boston did -- (the Celtics) were hungry. One guy can't do it by himself. That's why it's called a TEAM. Together ... everyone ... accomplishes more.

What areas of the team do you like or dislike? Receiver positions have been pretty good. Running game needs some work. So does the protection of the quarterback. Jon Kitna is a pretty good quarterback. But he needs time.

Is there a losing culture inside Allen Park? Is there even such a thing? No. And no. All behavior is learned. Winning behavior is learned. Losing behavior is learned. It just takes a concerted effort. From every man. Study the game plan.

Predictions for 2008? I think they can be better than .500 ball. They were on track last year. Then injuries. Then a letdown.