Jim Schwartz has gone just 28-47 in five seasons as Lions head coach. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Packers’ Josh Sitton delivered a harsh critique of the Lions and, in particular, head coach Jim Schwartz on Tuesday — “They’re a bunch of dirtbags or scumbags,” he said on Sports Radio 1250. “That starts with their head coach, Schwartz. He’s a d–k, too.”
On Wednesday, former Lions defensive end Lawrence Jackson (currently a free agent) revealed on Twitter that Sitton might have it at least partially right.
“I don’t disagree with him about Jim,” Jackson tweeted, “but the other stuff…it’s sharks in the water…if you don’t want any problems…protect your QB…”
Jackson continued:
In football the QB is the head of the snake…unless you’re Flynn in December. Knocking the QB out almost guarantees victory that’s goal #1
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) November 27, 2013
“@sanman20: @LoJackson94 what do you have against Jim?” I don’t have anything against him. I just don’t have a ton of respect for him.
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) November 27, 2013
@sanman20 not everyone is held to the same standard and things are done because he wants to do them not because they’re good for the team.
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) November 27, 2013
@sanman20 he will also lie right to your face. I asked a question I knew the answer to and he tried to bullshit me…I saw right through it.
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) November 27, 2013
@ShaunMichael80 there were players who weren’t 100% prepared and it showed, but can’t get mad at the kid that draws on the wall…the parent
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) November 27, 2013
Jackson played for the Lions from 2010-12, Schwartz’s second through fourth seasons at the helm in Detroit. He recorded 13 sacks over that time despite not receiving any starts.
The 28-year-old Jackson responded to another comment on Twitter that he was just airing sour grapes by stating that he “chose to not come back” to Detroit as a free agent this past offseason. Jackson signed with the Vikings during the preseason, then was cut in late August. He has yet to land with another team.
Schwartz could find himself on the hot seat — if he’s not already — should the Lions let a glorious chance to win the NFC North slip away. Their Thanksgiving Day game with Green Bay could go a long way toward determining that outcome.
The Lions have had more than their fair share of on-field discipline issues during Schwartz’s tenure, with the focus often landing on defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The most infamous moment occurred two Thanksgivings ago, against Green Bay, when Suh stomped offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith late in a Packers’ victory.
