A Millen to One Odds

“There’s always next year.”

It seems that every year dejected fans in all but one NFL city mutter that very sentiment minutes after the final loss of the season. In Detroit, they mutter it after the first preseason loss. What if that were all about to change? What if the pieces of the puzzle finally were to paint a beautiful picture filled with loads of confetti and Super Bowl rings the size of Barry Sanders? It may sound far-fetched, but it could be the greatest tale of redemption the gridiron has ever seen.

When it comes to Detroit Lions GM Matt Millen, it’s often hard to tell the difference between the facts and the myths. Is it really true that Millen was once a Super Bowl winning linebacker? Yes, he won rings with the Raiders, Redskins, and 49ers. Speaking of San Francisco, did Millen really insinuate that Jeff Garcia was gay when “Latino Heat” was in Detroit? No, that was Terrell Owens. Was Millen the guy behind the first round selections of Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, and Mike Williams? Yes, although he forgot he didn’t have someone to throw them the ball.

It's been a forgettable journey for Millen to this point. Those tuned into the world of professional football are well aware that he is already covered up to his fuzzy mustache by the waters of failure. Yet even though most normal people would have already drowned under the pressure of perpetual scrutiny, Millen has soldiered on and now stands at the edge of his greatest battle. This could be a story about engineering the greatest comeback in NFL history. Forget about Montana or Elway. The road to redemption runs through the front office. Specifically, Matt Millen's office.

As spring hits full swing in late-April, Millen will round up his advisers, scouts, and coaches to take one last chance at saving his job. A good draft would make ownership drain some of the water out of Millen’s office. Millen needs to select at least three players who can start or provide significant contributions to the team - this could help the Lions at least double their win total from last season. A great draft would consist of finding a stud in the first round, perhaps in the form of Joe Thomas (who could anchor the line) or Brady Quinn (who could provide a stable force to throw the ball to the plethora of wide receivers). The Lions would still need production from two or three other youngsters, but they could realistically get to 7, 8, or even 9 wins. Even this modest improvement would mark a major change for a franchise which is on the verge of replacing the old Bengals as the benchmark of futility in the NFL.

On the other hand, this April's draft could lead to a dreadful disaster in the Motor City. If Vegas had a line on Millen returning to the Lions next season, the odds would not be good. It is highly unlikely for any team, let alone the Lions, to find three or four rookie starters in one draft. Sure, the Lions' draftees won't have alot of competition in training camp, but they will still be rookies. Furthermore, it's not a given that Joe Thomas will be able to make a huge impact his rookie season. As for Tom Brady…I mean...Brady Quinn - he should remember the name "Tim Couch". If that doesn’t work, maybe the name "Ryan Leaf" will shake him up.

I know our Detroit readers want to say “there’s a chance,” but Custer had a chance too. Millen could create a story of redemption that would make Bob Marley cry like no woman can, but it’s not likely to happen. This draft is not going to be enough to save Millen. He may put a few pieces in place that help the franchise a few years from now, but he's not going to be getting that new posh office. Millen may have come in like a lion, but he’ll be leaving with his tail between his legs. The worst part is that it’s too late for him to do much about it.

Somebody needs to pass Matt Millen a snorkel. He’s going to need it, because it's hard to hear someone tell you, "there's always next year," from under water.