Hey, all. Welcome back to the newsletter.
It feels amazing when someone choose you, especially when that someone is important to you.
While it’s not a complete fix for the second half collapse of the Detroit Lions in San Francisco over the weekend, the news that Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson is staying in Detroit — despite having other head coaching options — is giving some Lions fans a new ray of optimism.
Let’s get into the stories. And if this is your first time here, consider signing up for future notes for free.
📰 What to know
» Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is staying in Detroit, per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, because “he wants to take another shot at bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Detroit.” Although he’s 37 and may very well have head coaching opportunities in the future, it’s known he was talking to the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders.
Why Johnson stayed:
“I love Dan Campbell, I’ve known him for a long time. I believe in the direction of this organization. And so that truly was the biggest drawing point for me to come back, was what we have here, what we’re building here, is something I want to be a part of. I’ve been a part of a number of losing seasons in my 11 years in the NFL.” [MLIVE]
I care about and enjoy football, but when I need expert analysis I turn to Fletcher Sharpe who is on the podcast every week talking sports. From playing the game to coaching, Fletcher has an on-the-ground, real perspective I value.
The Sharpe take:
Ben Johnson staying as offensive coordinator for the Lions is great for Detroit, because it allows them to keep one of the more dynamic play callers in the league. While he has a penchant to opt for the occasional cute play, the Lions got as far as they did because of Dan Campbell's fearlessness, but also because of Ben Johnson's creativity.
Earlier this week on the podcast me and Fletcher talked about the Lions NFC Championship collapse and what the team needs next.
» A fire at General Motors' Factory Zero in Detroit caused over $1 million in damages and raised concerns about battery fire protocols. The incident in December was the eighth fire-related call to the plant, highlighting the increased risks associated with EV production. The Detroit Fire Department is working with the automaker to improve response plans and handle EV batteries better. [Crain’s Detroit]
So a few of you know if you listen to the show my roommate had a plug-in hybrid EV that went up in flames spontaneously on the charger. It was intensely hot, leaving basically just the frame of the car. At the time, Detroit firefighters on the scene were pretty clear to me they hated EVs because they take so much more water and time to put out. I think this is concern that can be addressed, but is part of the multitude of things we need to address in this changeover.
» After 14 years, custom clothesmaker Detroit Denim is done. Their most recent retail location is on Cass in Detroit’s Midtown. The couple who own it say that there’s time with family they’d like to spend, weekends off and finally a honeymoon. They were known for their custom to you jeans that ran about $315. They say they will be doing a final run of 100 pairs to close things out, as well as finish up all current orders. [Facebook]
Small businesses are hard. 14 years is quite a run!
» Plans are clearer around a bus rapid transit pilot program on East Jefferson in Detroit. Time between buses would reduce down to 10 minutes during the weekday and 15 minutes on the weekends. Also, temporary “bus islands” would be created so that buses don’t need to merge in and out of traffic. Other changes include:
- Bus stop consolidations for a consistent quarter-mile spacing helping to speed the service
- Permanent boarding islands in coordination with DPW improvements
- New/improved shelters with information displays at selected locations
- “Connection Corners” improvements at major transfer intersections
The route will run similarly to as it does now, from the Rosa Parks Transit Center and turn around just inside the Grosse Pointe Park border. [Urbanize Detroit] [City of Detroit]
I love to see this. I think Jefferson is a good choice to work out the kinks with something like this. It’s an important corridor, but it’s better it’s done here than Woodward for a first go. Also, traffic isn’t as busy - Jefferson is an insanely wide road, so building out bus islands and the like will probably be an improvement. Bus Rapid Transit isn’t as sexy as rail to many, but it’s a step forward we can afford and implement far quicker. Perfect shouldn’t be the enemy of good (for now).
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If you’re looking for a new podcast to listen to, I’ve got a second show I’m on with Dr. Kevin Peterson of Castalia Cocktails talking all about how to get the most out of your drink.
Until next time… remember that you are somebody and I’ll see you around Detroit.
-Jer
