[Lefty Noob]

Okay, now that the Lions have a new coaching staff, the big issue is at quarterback. Should either of their top two QB, Joey Harrington or Jeff Garcia, should get the starting nod in '06. Should they give Dan Orlovsky a chance? Should they bring in a free agent like Jay Fiedler? Or should they go to the draft, maybe for Jay Cutler? I personally would like to see them give Harrington a chance under the Mike Martz offense, but wouldn't be surprised to see them add someone new into the mix, perhaps Cutler.

[EmpireWF]

I'd doubt the current regime would want another 1st round pick used on one of the 3 offensive skipp ositions after years of doing so. I expect them to go OL or defense with their first pick. But they definitely need to add a new QB into the mix to compete for the job.

If Harrington is truly a player in the NFL, he would win said competition during camp and would earn the job. But if he starts this season and is garbage again, next year, they'll have no choice but to get a new QB.

Like you said, give him a chance in Martz's system.

[Lefty Noob]

Looks like it'll be Harrington as the starter, at least at first, and it appears that both Marinelli and Martz are high on the guy.

"We all sat down and watched him," Marinelli told the Detroit News on Wednesday. "[Martz] sees a lot of really good, positive things from this guy -- a lot of skill, a lot of things that we like... We're just moving right down the road with him. We're going to coach this guy real hard. Off of film, you can see all the upside to him -- tremendous upside."

We've all said it before, but I'll say it again -- if anyone can make Harrington an NFL quarterback, its Martz. But that's a big if, and there's no doubt that this will be Joey's last chance in Detroit. He'd better make the most of it.

[staff99]

It is real easy to name him your #1 quarterback when you have no one else for him to compete against. Lets see how they feel when they pick up a veteran such as Griese or Kitna to put a little pressure on things. Martz may be talking patience but, the Lions need results asap.

[anrobins]

Let's hope this works out better than last year. Jeff Garcia was supposed to challenge Joey for the number one job, then he got injured and stunk when he was finally able to play.

I have always liked Joey. He seems classy and has handled the intense criticsm from the Detroit media very well. I still question whether or not he can lead, though. I'd like to see him get one more shot with a proven winner running the offense, one that will be designed to the strenghts of the players. This could lead to the breakout year that was supposed to take place last year. Hopefully, there will actually be a second quarterback able to push Joey forward this year.

[Calder]

I have been the biggest Harrington basher you will ever see, but even I am willing to allow Martz to waive his magic wand and see if he can do anything of substance with Joey. There have been times over the last couple of years where we have seen flashes of something from Harrington, but the problem he has had is the inability to string consecutive quality performances together. That’s a scary proposition for a guy who’s entering his fourth year, but Martz does have the ability to get the most out of his quarterbacks.

My biggest problems with Harrington focus on a lack of arm strength, and a lack of fortitude when the going has gotten tough. I am not so sure about the arm strength one any longer, I feel he can throw a ball where he wants to, but the Mooch offensive game plan too often kept the reigns in. My opinion on his ability to be “the guy” changed a little as well at Minnesota last year. I believe that was the game he started after Garcia got hurt. He played extremely well, looked rather confident, almost as if he said, “If I’m going down, I’m going down swinging.” I am anxious to see what Martz can do with this guy.

[anrobins]

I am curious too. I don't think Harrington has ever been allowed to play to his strengths. Martz should put him in a better position for that. Martz has made it clear in his most recent press conference that the coach will be calling plays, not the quarterback, so hopefully, pressure will be taken off Harrington.

This is a guy I want to see succeed. His attitude is incredible, and he has begun to show more toughness since being benched for Garcia last year. Harrington doesn't give up. If he can finally be successful, he we be a fitting superstar in Detroit as Steve Yzerman is certain to retire at the end of the season from the Red Wings.

[TerriStL]

Jeff Garcia is over. He was horrible with the Browns, that was a complete disaster. He seems to blame others for his subpar play the last few seasons. The Lions need to move on.

Joey Harrington has shown flashes of pretty good play here and there. However, those moments have been few and far between. He is either going to consider Mike Martz his savior or his enemy very quickly. Martz has an uncanny ability to evaluate raw quarterback talent. He's been responsible for Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger. Warner and Bulger were clipboard-holding third-stringers until Martz worked his magic. He will either get the very best out of Harrington or he will be gone. He will force Harrington to be dead-on accurate and throw to spots instead of receivers. Harrington will be forced to develop split-second timing with his receivers. He will have to be fearless, stand in the pocket and take a hit to complete a big pass. Does anyone know if Harrington has the talent or guts to take this on?

I believe that some of the tie-ups in Martz's contract negotiations had to do with the QB situation. I cannot imagine he would have gone into Detroit as a coordinator, without the security of knowing that on his advice Harrington would be dumped.

Harrington has to win the confidence and faith of Martz, get some confidence in himself, and most of all, earn his place with his teammates.