Lewand Opens Up (Not Really) on Lions QBs
NFL Picks | by Mike O'Hara | 04.1.2009/1:03PM
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Tom Lewand might have to jump through hoops for the next few days to balance his roles as president of the Lions and CEO of Ford Field, but he won’t slip up and reveal any plans about the major quarterback issues facing the Lions and the rest of the NFL.
Lewand was at Ford Field Wednesday for a media preview of the stadium’s setup in advance of this weekend’s Final Four basketball championships.
The venue is absolutely sparkling – in a class by itself among football stadiums converted to basketball arenas for the NCAA championships.
The questions quickly turned to football – pointedly the Lions, and their level of interest in quarterbacks Matthew Stafford of Georgia and Jay Cutler, who has been put on the trade block by the Denver Broncos.
Stafford had a private workout for the Lions on Georgia’s campus Tuesday. Media accounts said his performance was “flawless.”
The Lions have the first pick in this month’s draft. What did their hierarchy think of Stafford’s performance?
‘I could tell you about it,” Lewand began.
Microphones clicked on. Ballpoint pens were locked a loaded. Notebooks were poised – all in anticipation of the lowdown on Stafford dazzling the Lions’ scouts and coaches.
“We did have a workout with Matthew – a private workout,” Lewand continued. “We’ll keep it a secret.”
In other words, a well crafted “no comment.”
Lewand’s answer was not unexpected. Lewand and new GM Martin Mayhew have said they are going to share less information with the media than they have in the past. They’re keeping their plans closer to the vest than one of Pamela Anderson’s wet T-shirts.
Also on Tuesday, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said the team will attempt to trade Jay Cutler. An impasse continues between the team and Cutler since new coach Josh McDaniels’ attempt to trade for former Patriots quarterback Matt Caassel.
When asked about Cutler, Lewand only reiterated the team’s stand of building through the draft. Again, no surprise.
“We want to build through the draft,” Lewand said. “A lot of teams say that. The teams that do it are the ones that win on a consistent basis.”
Does that mean the Lions will hoard their nine draft picks – including two on the first and third rounds and one on the second – and not inquire about Cutler?
Great question – and no answer.
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