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Lions Confident In Culpepper

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

arichardson@tampatrib.com

Published: November 21, 2008

TAMPA - Daunte Culpepper brought a winning attitude to Detroit after signing with the Lions on Nov. 4. Now Detroit is hopeful his swagger eventually leads to a victory.

Detroit signed Culpepper, who was a free agent, after injuries to QBs Jon Kitna and Dan Orlovsky. Culpepper was a three-time Pro Bowler for the Minnesota Vikings, but a severe knee injury limited his effectiveness with Miami in 2006 and Oakland last year.

The Lions are optimistic Culpepper can lead Detroit (0-10) to its first victory when it hosts Tampa Bay (7-3) on Sunday.

"It is hard to come in midseason, and our staff did a great job working with him, but what I've been impressed about him is how coachable he is," Detroit coach Rod Marinelli said. "He's really coachable. Here's a guy who has been co-MVP of the league, and he's like Derrick Brooks, he's just coachable.

"He learns fast and we've scaled things back to make sure he knew what he was doing and each week we're trying to add a little bit more to him."

Culpepper started against Jacksonville during a 38-14 loss, but Detroit showed improvement during its 31-22 loss to Carolina last week. He completed 20 of 35 passes for 207 yards and one touchdown, plus rushed for another score.

Detroit CB Brian Kelly, who won a Super Bowl ring with Tampa Bay, said Culpepper's playmaking ability and leadership have given players more confidence. Now Detroit just needs a win.

"I will say I'm making progress in this offense," Culpepper said. "I'm making steps, getting to be the player that I want to be. You've just got to keep working. That's the thing; you can't get discouraged in any way.

"To be good it takes a lot of work, so I'm willing to do that."

GARCIA MAKING SMART DECISIONS: Tampa Bay QB Jeff Garcia does not receive the attention of Arizona's Kurt Warner or Dallas' Tony Romo, but numbers prove he makes better decisions.

Garcia has thrown only three interceptions this season, tied for the fewest INTs with Washington's Jason Campbell.

Garcia has completed 160 of 230 passes for 1,618 yards, five TDs and three INTs. Here is how some other notable quarterbacks have fared this season:

•Warner has completed 270 of 381 passes for 3,155 yards, 20 TDs and seven INTs.

•Romo has completed 147 of 227 passes for 1,887 yards, 15 TDs and seven INTs.

•Brett Favre (Jets) has completed 220 of 315 passes for 2,237 yards, 18 TDs and 12 INTs.

•Peyton Manning (Colts) has completed 234 of 380 passes for 2,568 yards, 17 TDs and nine INTs.

TO PROTECT AND SERVE: Former Dolphins QB Dan Marino used to make commercials about buying Isotoner gloves for his offensive linemen, and Garcia might have to start researching holiday gifts now.

Tampa Bay's offensive line has given up only 11 sacks this season, which is tied for fifth in sacks per pass play. The teams ahead of Tampa Bay are New Orleans, Tennessee, Denver and Indianapolis.

INJURY REPORT: TE Alex Smith (ankle) and QB Brian Griese (right elbow) did not participate in Thursday's practice; S Jermaine Phillips (forearm) was limited; RB Warrick Dunn (back), WR Ike Hilliard (shoulder) and G Arron Sears (shoulder) fully participated.

Anwar S. Richardson

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