Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert
In preparing to visit the four NFC North teams this summer -- yes, we have confirmed the Green Bay Packers aren't the only club in the division -- we have been intrigued by the message coming from Detroit Lions ownership, as portrayed in the Michigan media.
The latest example came Friday, when vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. addressed the Lions following their morning workout. According to Booth News Group reporter Tom Kowalski, Ford's basic message was that the Lions finally have the right coach (Rod Marinelli) and the right collection of personnel to have a winning season.
Ford did not go into details with reporters, but according to Kowalski, Ford said: "I'm through wanting to win. I expect to win."
Friday was one of several instances in which Ford has made public some relatively direct expectations. (On Monday, Ford said: "I think that the expectations for this team are that they will win," according to the Detroit Free Press.)
Make no mistake; all teams expect to win during the second week of training camp. This is the most hopeful time of the year. Talking about it publicly, however, has the added effect of putting its decision-makers on notice. If the Lions fall short this season, how will Ford react?
Of course, Ford might simply be trying to sell tickets during a sluggish economy. But the Lions' marketing slogan this year is "Believe in Now," and regardless of motivation, the Lions are transparently encouraging their fans to carry relatively strong expectations into the 2008 season.
We'll be traveling to Detroit and Minnesota next week to complete our NFC North tour, and we'll be interested to see whether Ford's expectations are justified.
Seifert joined ESPN.com in 2008 after covering the Minnesota Vikings for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for eight years. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and daughter.
