Lions have to earn respect

Amidst a flurry of angry responses to a dismissive comment by 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, the truth remains clearly evident - the Lions have to earn any morsel of respect they get.

When asked how he's preparing for the possibility of playing one of three teams next week in the divisional playoffs, Harbaugh conceded he's focusing on the Saints, suggesting New Orleans will beat Detroit this Saturday.

What the Lions have accomplished this season is remarkable, and I've watched enough playoff football to know anything can happen Saturday night.  The Lions may play their best game of the season.  A timely turnover may help them pull off an upset.  Drew Brees may forget where the Superdome is.

Minus any of those occurrences, getting out of New Orleans with a win will surprise almost everyone.

It's been a season of rebirth for the Lions, but they're not ready to make a run to a championship.  We've seen evidence of that throughout the regular season supports this.  When faced with a superior opponent, the Lions have faltered. 

The pieces are in place for this team to be competitive for quite a long time -  Good general manager.  Good head coach.  Respected coordinators.  Franchise players.  Impactful veterans. 

What's lacking is a solid core of depth that can compete at the highest level. 

Green Bay won the Super Bowl last year because its third and fourth string players steadied the ship as injuries decimated the roster.  New England consistently wins because the players on the bottom half of its roster fill specific roles and contribute consistently.

Lions fans should be proud of what this team has achieved.  A 10-6 record and a playoff appearance is right in line with expectations. 

Matthew Stafford has shown his true potential.  Calvin Johnson has been other-worldly.  Cliff Avril and Stephen Tulloch have added depth to a defense that already boasted good players in Ndamukong Suh, Kyle Vanden Bosch, Corey Williams, DeAndre Levy and Louis Delmas.  

Build on it.  Make it better.  Take the next step in 2012.  

Saturday's game is a long shot - most Lions fans will concede that point.  Can Detroit win?  Sure.  The likelihood is not high.   

Compete.  Learn.  Gain the experience necessary to win playoff games down the line.  If you win this year in the process - that's gravy on what's already been a pretty delicious dish of mashed potatoes. 

As for respect?  When you go 1-5 against playoff teams, you need to earn that respect on the field - and you have a chance Saturday night.