Jim Schwartz, Don Banks talk QBs and o-linemen at the combine

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

He doesn't claim to have a conversation with him in a one-on-one. He says: "After careful analysis of every syllable uttered to the media by new Lions head coach Jim Schwartz on Thursday morning"

At no point did the Lions rookie head coach say quarterback was not an option at the top of the draft, but he really didn't have to if you listened to what he was saying. Like when I asked him about the conventional wisdom within the league about building a team from the inside out, which I happen to know he buys into.

"I've said before, we're going to build the team like it's an outdoor team,'' Schwartz said. "We're not going to build it to be a dome team. This is a great dome, and Ford Field is a great dome. But the fact is that we have to go to Lambeau, probably in December. We'll have to go to Chicago, maybe for a game that might mean the playoffs. You need to be big and physical, run the ball and stop the run when the weather gets bad. When you look at Tennessee and other places I've been, if you're strong on the offensive and defensive line, you'll be consistent from week to week.

"That doesn't leave you. You can have a dominant skill player, but he might get hurt one week or the wind might be blowing, like it was in Buffalo when New England played up there, and you can't throw the ball. Or the footing might be bad and the running back can't make his yards. But offensive line and defensive line will make you consistent from week to week.''