SideLion Report
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Detroit Lions all-time tight ends in the ‘Tecmo Bowl’ era

By James F. Puzzuoli

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Crowds line up to view the new Nintendo game console Wii U at the Nintendo booth during the Electronic Entertainment Expo on June 7, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Wii U will have HD graphics, a controller with a 6.2 inch touchscreen and be compatible with all other Wii accessories. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 07: Crowds line up to view the new Nintendo game console Wii U at the Nintendo booth during the Electronic Entertainment Expo on June 7, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Wii U will have HD graphics, a controller with a 6.2 inch touchscreen and be compatible with all other Wii accessories. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 31: Eric Ebron #85 of the Detroit Lions celebrates a two point conversion reception by quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions during the second half at Ford Field on December 31, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 31: Eric Ebron #85 of the Detroit Lions celebrates a two point conversion reception by quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions during the second half at Ford Field on December 31, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

HONORABLE MENTION – ERIC EBRON

Eric Ebron should have been so much more in his time in Detroit.

It is not easy to accept general manager Bob Quinn’s decision to cut Ebron. Mostly because the arrow felt like it was pointing up career wise. In the end, Ebron is off the all-time ‘Tecmo’ team because he will never be remembered (at least not well) as a Detroit Lion.

It is funny how similar the numbers are between Ebron and Sloan. Of course, Sloan has three extra seasons with the team, but the numbers are crazy close.

Ebron and Sloan accumulated mirror stats in terms of receptions (180 area), yards (2000 area), and yards per reception (just above 11). The difference is that Sloan has four extra touchdowns.

How does Sloan have four more touchdowns with lesser quarterbacks and less of a role as a receiver? That sums up the issue with Ebron.

In this era of big time passing numbers, Ebron should have produced more touchdowns. It isn’t about having four more touchdowns, but it is about a first round pick having more of an impact.

AND DRAFTED BEHIND EBRON…

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This is where I am supposed to launch into a diatribe about players selected after Ebron in the 2014 draft. That won’t happen.

I am not going to mention their names or their beloved initials. It is a wasted argument. Ebron needed to produce more and he didn’t. What guys did behind him in terms of draft position is not the point.

When Ebron was drafted, the Detroit Lions needed a tight end. In his four years, Ebron filled that role, but did not excel in it. He wasn’t as great as any of us wanted, but look at the big hole left behind by his departure.

I have chosen Ebron as the honorable mention because he is the ultimate “what could have been.” Honestly, I think Ebron still is the “could be” with his new team the Indianapolis Colts.

While great stats with the Colts would suck as a Detroit fan, I honestly wish Ebron the best. A change of scenery might be good, and maybe he continues to take his career to new heights. Still, I have my doubts.

When I see Ebron exchanging jabs online with Detroit fans, I kind of feel sorry for him. First off, I understand the temptation to answer back. No one likes to be insulted. But be a professional.

This was the overriding issue in Detroit. Logically, it is probably what led to Quinn to cut ties with Ebron. He never understood what it took to be a pro.

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