Hanson Shines in Lions’ 0-for-08 Nightmare
NFL Picks | by Mike O'Hara | 12.27.2008/10:52AM | Category:
Before we hatch a scenario for how the Lions can win at Green Bay on Sunday – or at least cover a point spread that’s hovered around 10 points all week – one bright spot needs considering in this wretched season.
Jason Hanson has been as close to perfect kicking field goals as the Lions are to putting the finishing touch on a season of imperfection.
Hanson’s amazing season is worthy of note in making this week’s picks – along with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones statement that Wade Phillips will return as head coach, Patriots receiver Wes Welker being fined for making a snowman in last week’s win over the Cardinals, and playoff spots still up for grabs on Sunday.
Hanson has kicked in the shadows all year, a product of playing on a team with the NFL’s worst record.
Hanson has made 21 of 22 field-goal attempts. The only miss was a block. Along the way, he has set two league records for long-range success. He is the only kicker in NFL history to go 8-for-8 on field goals from 50 yards or longer, and he set a record with 41 career field goals from 50 yards or longer.
In his 17th season, Hanson is as good as ever. He is on the last year of his contract and can be a free agent this year. The Lions have an ancient transition tag on him, which allows them to retain his services by matching any offer.
Hanson isn’t looking to leave Detroit, even though he has known nothing but losing for the last eight seasons.
Hanson enjoyed good times in the 1990’s. The Lions made the playoffs five times in his first eight seasons – from 1992 through ’99 – and he played on teams that had exciting, Pro Bowl players – Barry Sanders, Herman Moore, Lomas Brown, Kevin Glover, Chris Spielman, Bennie Blades, Robert Porcher, Luther Elliss and David Sloan to name a few.
With his contract up, Hanson picked a good time to have another stellar season. His first choice is to re-sign with the Lions, but he isn’t afraid to test the market.
Hanson spoke about his future as the Lions prepared for Sunday’s season-ending game in Green Bay. Management has talked to him about a new contract, Hanson said.
“I’ve always said, and I think this is true, Detroit is Plan A, still,” Hanson said. “It’s my first choice by far, but I’m also prepared for whatever happens. I just hope everything works out great and I come back.
“I don’t know what to say. Losing is terrible. I’ve said this isn’t fun. To be competitive – yeah, it would be great. It would be awfully rewarding to somehow survive long enough to see it be good here, too.”
Hanson can be taken at his word that he isn’t angling to get out of Detroit. But there’s a slight crack in his resolve. A few weeks ago, he said he wouldn’t take “just anything” to return.
It is hard to imagine the Lions not re-signing Hanson. He’s too good, and too much of a good influence on the team, not to bring him back.
“The only way I know how to say it is this: I don’t want to leave, but I’m not afraid to,” Hanson said. “I would be very disappointed to leave, but I also can do it if I have to.
“I’m not afraid to kick another place. I love Detroit, but I know how to do what I’m doing anywhere.”
With that in mind, here are our last kicks – and picks against the spread – for the 2008 regular season:
Lions at Packers (-9.5): The way for the Lions to win this game is for the Packers to keep playing like they have since they were 4-3 and still congratulating themselves for holding firm against Brett Favre and turning the future over to Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers have played well enough to lose seven of their last eight games. Six of the losses were by a combined 18 points. The other was a 51-29 wipeout at New Orleans.
The Lions have had some tough losses. The last game – 42-7 at home to New Orleans – was not one of them. This almost certainly will be Rod Marinelli’s final game as head coach of the Lions. The man has been resilient, resolute and unyielding in this awful season – everything you want in a head coach, except winning. Take the Packers to win, but not to cover. Pick: Lions.
Rams at Falcons (-14.5): The Rams won their first two games after Scott Linehan was fired and replaced by defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. Since then, the Rams have lost nine straight. The Falcons can clinch the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff field, and a first-round bye. They won’t stumble. Pick: Falcons.
Panthers at Saints (+3): Carolina has to be drained by last week’s overtime loss to the Giants. The Saints are 6-1 at home but lost at Carolina, on Oct. 19. Defensive injuries are hurting Carolina. A win or tie gives Carolina first place in the NFC South and a first-round bye. The running game, and Steve Smith, carry the Panthers. Pick: Panthers.
Bears at Texans (-2.5): The Bears win the NFC North with a win and a Vikings loss or tie with the Giants, or with a tie and a Vikings loss. The Bears and Texans are 4-1 in the last five games. The Bears have lived on the edge. Without safety Mike Brown, the Bears will trouble stopping wide receiver Andre Johnson, a defense buster. The Texans can have their first winning season in franchise history. Pick: Texans.
Giants at Vikings (-6.5): It’s right in front of the Vikings. The safest way to win the North is to beat the Giants. Ball security is an issue for the Vikings. They outgained the Falcons 350 yards to 222 last week but lost the game. They fumbled seven times, losing four. The Giants have a first-round bye, and coach Tom Coughlin is likely to give his starters some solid work. He doesn’t want them to lose their edge. Pick: Giants.
Patriots at Bills (+6.5): The Patriots can win the game and still miss the playoffs at 11-5 if Baltimore beats Jacksonville. Bills owner Ralph Wilson says he’ll decide coach Dick Jauron’s fate soon after the season. Players love playing for Jauron, but they haven’t won enough to keep his job out of jeopardy. It’s a defining game for Patriots QB Matt Cassel. His stock rises if he comes out big in the finale. Pick: Patriots.
Raiders at Bucs (-13): The Raiders have shown some life on offense. They don’t figure to win this one, but nothing is certain. The Bucs are skidding home for the second straight year. They lost three of the last four last year to make the playoffs at 9-7. A three-game losing streak has put them at 9-6. They make the playoffs with a win and a Dallas loss or tie. Take the points. Pick: Raiders.
Jaguars at Ravens (-12.5): Two long TD runs late in the game gave the Ravens a win over the Cowboys last week. A win puts them in the playoffs. The Jags slumped everywhere this year – running game, QB David Garrard, defense and coaching. John Harbaugh, the Ravens’ rookie head coach, doesn’t get enough mention for coach of the year. Here’s one vote for a coach’s son who grew up in Ann Arbor. Pick: Ravens.
Dolphins at Jets (+3): It’s homecoming for Dolphins QB Chad Pennington in a playoff showdown game with the Jets, his team from 2000 until Brett Favre’s arrival in training camp this year. The Dolphins clinch the AFC East with a win. The Jets clinch with a win and a loss by New England. Both teams have other wild-card possibilities. Favre discussed his future in a weird interview on Wednesday. Nobody in New York cares about anything except what he does on Sunday, and his play for the last month isn’t encouraging. Pick: Dolphins.
Cowboys at Eagles (-1.5): Jerry Jones told reporters on Friday that Wade Phillips will return as head coach. The Cowboys were 13-3 last year and are 9-6, for a two-year record of 22-9 under Phillips. But they didn’t win a playoff game last year, and they’ll be out of the playoffs if they lose to the Eagles. Even with a win, the Eagles need help to make the playoffs. QB Donovan McNabb could use help from his receivers, who had more than a half dozen clear-cut drops in last week’s loss to Washington. The Eagles fly on Sunday – and Phillips could face a stormy Monday, no matter what the owner has said. Pick: Eagles.
Broncos at Chargers (-8): The Broncos are out of running backs, and their defense is awful. They have a points differential of minus 47. The Chargers have won three straight. QB Philip Rivers has nine TD passes and one interception in that span. Pick: Chargers.
Chiefs at Bengals (-3): The Bengals can end the season with a three-game winning streak, which could be enough for coach Marvin Lewis to return. The Chiefs have shown more offense lately under QB Tyler Thigpen. They’re 2-22 in the last 24 games, with a loss to the Lions. Coach Herm Edwards might not survive a front-office shakeup. Pick: Bengals.
Browns at Steelers (-10.5): It’s a nothing game for both teams. That’s fitting for the Browns. They’ve had a nothing season. Bruce Gradkowski will be their fourth starting QB of the season. Pick: Steelers.
Titans at Colts (+3): Another nothing game, with both teams locked into their seeds in the AFC playoffs. Vince Young and Jim Sorgi could get extended playing time at QB. Pick: Titans.
Seahawks at Cardinals (-6): The Cardinals can go 6-0 in the NFC West with a win in Mike Holmgren’s last game as head coach of the Seahawks. Going out with a win would be a good touch for a class act. This one’s from the heart, not the wallet. Pick: Seahawks.
Redskins at 49ers (-3): The Niners are 4-4 since Mike Singletary was promoted to interim head coach, replacing Mike Nolan. All signs point to Singletary keeping the job – and firing Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. No coach has seen his star slide further and faster than Martz. Pick: 49ers.
Best Bet: Chargers
Comments [4] |
That’s fitting for the Browns. They’ve had a nothing season. Bruce Gradkowski will be their fourth starting QB of the season.
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