The Lions concluded this football season on a sour note. In the final game of the season, they lost to the Green Bay Packers 34 -13. The worst part of the loss was that for half the game or so, the Packers played a lot of second and third stringers and the Lions continued to play the starters and yet we could do absolutely nothing.

Our vaunted offense continued to sputter against the Packer backups - very sad indeed. While prior to the game their was much speculation and rumor about Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz being fired or let go, there still has not been a formal announcement to that effect. I think the Lions need it though to move forward. Its obvious that the Martz show in Detroit was not a success. Personally, I feel that Kitna needs to leave town with him in order for this team to continue to build on the improvements made this year. I would be surprised, however, if Kitna is not back next year.

What bothers me the most about this season and the way it played out is that if you had asked me before the season what I thought about a season where the Lions would go 7 and 9, I would have called it a success and definite progress. However, with the 6 - 2 start, and then to close the last have at 1 - 7, it leaves a very sour taste in your mouth. I cannot call it a successful season because of that finish. There are probably more questions to be answered this off season than there was last season. Still, I am hopeful.

The Lions made a definite statement at home this year. They made Ford Field a true home field advantage. Now, we need to figure out how to play some football on the road. If we can make similar road progress as we did at home this year, we might have a season.

Some key players stepped up and made themselves known this year. Ernie Sims was stellar at linebacker. Kevin Jones and TJ Duckett showed a solid one two punch at RB when they were healthy. Calvin Johnson, though he faded like many rookies late in the season, showed some brilliance at WR. Damien Woody looked pretty good when he moved over to right tackle - too bad it was so late in the season.

Other players showed themselves to be a problem for the future. Jeff Backus gave up the most sacks in the NFL. Jon Kitna had more interceptions than touchdowns. None of our cornerbacks can cover worth a damn. Kalimba Edwards got his big salary during the offseason and disappeared - so much so you may never see him in a Lions uniform again. Shaun Rogers is in poor shape and not capable of dominating a game anymore.

This should be an interesting off season! Happy New Years!

I for one will be watching. And I suspect many other die hard Lions fans will also be watching. We would still like to see the Lions finish the season well and hopefully set them up for next year. I know, its an often repeated phrase, but its all we got this season.

This game will be the last home game of the season for Lions. I hope the fans turn out and support and root for the team. With the early success this season, Ford Field was rocking and a true home field advantage for the Lions. If nothing else happens this season, we need to keep that going and build on it next season.

The Chiefs come into the game with a worse record than the Lions at 4 - 10. The come into the game riding a seven game losing streak. It has been a rough season for them and its gotten worse with recent standout CB DeAngelo Hall stating very emphatically that he will not be part of an Atlanta type team again.

“I can’t do this no more,” Hall said. “I won’t do this no more, let me say that. I will not be a part of a losing team another year, no matter what I got to do, no matter who hates me, whatever. I won’t be a part of a losing team again, not if I can help it. ”

Normally, such a statement might hurt a team, but the Chiefs cant sink much lower. The only bright point this year has been the KC defensive secondary which has played well.

The Lions come into the home finale on the tails of an eight game losing streak. They would desperately like to have a chance to face the Packers next week with a shot at .500 season. Without that, the game next week is likely to be meaningless to the players other than for pride. The offense continues to sputter, which is a shame for what should have been a high powered offense. The game Sunday will likely pit the aerial attack of the Lions vs the strong Chiefs secondary.

On offense, the Chiefs will likely try to pound the ball with Larry Johnson. Many teams have had success against the Lions on the ground, most recently San Diego last week. The Chiefs passing attack has been anemic but the Lions weak secondary probably won’t help it much. In fact, if Kansas City has to resort to going to the air, I would look for the Lions defense to get some takeaways. If Johnson has a big day, it will be a long day for the Lions defense.

On offense, the Lions will be without Roy Williams again who is now on Injured Reserve. Last week, Calvin Johnson dropped several balls. His performance across his rookie season has gone much like the Lions season - started strong but fading fast as the season progressed. This guy has some talent and I would still characterize his rookie season as a success. Jon Kitna needs to return to early season form and protect the ball. He has to quit making bad decisions. If he continues those, the KC secondary will make him pay.

So, who wins this battle? The Lions have tended to be more competitive than the Chiefs despite both long losing streaks. This is a home game for the Lions. If the Lions lose, they could possibly extend their NFL record 6 consecutive seasons with 10 losses. This an opportunity for them to end that streak. I think they would love to have a chance to finish the season at .500 next week. They have made strides this season and don’t want to see all of them washed down the drain.

I am picking the Lions this week: Detroit 28 Kansas City 14

Go Lions!