[Bette]

Detroit was getting smoked 42-10 late in the third quarter. Jon Kitna completed a pass to Mike Furrey near midfield. The receiver went down without being tackled. A Viking defender hurdled Furrey while he was on the ground.

In the NFL, a player isn't down until he goes down and is touched by the defending team. But Furrey never attempted to continue the play. He got up and threw the ball away. One of the Vikings alertly yelled that it was a live ball, so Cedric Griffin picked up the football and returned it to the Detroit 6.

The Lions challenged the play, arguing successfully that Furrey had been grazed on the leg while on the ground. But it was what took place during the lengthy four-minute review that was disturbing.

Detroit players should have been spitting nails for their pitiful performance in a huge game. Instead, the Lions and Vikings chatted together like they were at a picnic. It was like a male version of "The View."
Minnesota can be partially excused because they already had beaten up the Lions and the game was no longer in doubt. They had cause for celebration. The Lions acted like they didn't care. Their fans watching at home probably were more upset than the players.
Coach Rod Marinelli was asked about the "mixer" at his Monday press conference. He said he only cares what happens once the whistle blows and the play begins, but I'm not buying it. This was in the middle of a football game on the playing field, and it didn't look right.

It's no coincidence that Marinelli cited numerous "loafs" during the game where players stopped operating at full speed before a play was over. Adversity can bring out the best in people, but there doesn't seem to be much fire in these Lions.
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