Romberg likes Linehan's style

Atlanta Falcons centre Brett Romberg wasn't surprised to see the Detroit Lions rally for a 27-26 victory in Saturday's pre-season opener at Ford Field.

The Belle River high school product and former Windsor AKO Fratmen knows Detroit offensive co-ordinator Scott Linehan has a few tricks up his sleeve.

"He's a schemer," the six-foot-two, 293-pound Romberg said of Linehan.

Romberg played centre for parts of three seasons in St. Louis for Linehan, who was fired by the Rams as head coach early last season and then made the move to Detroit.

"He'll bring a good offence every game," the 29-year-old Romberg said.

He especially thinks it will be good for Detroit rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was the first pick in this year's NFL Draft.

"(Linehan) doesn't have to conform to what's here," Romberg said. "It's a young quarterback he can build his system around."

Stafford was impressive Saturday in relief of starter Daunte Culpepper. The rookie threw for 114 yards in just a quarter of work while Culpepper threw for just 41 yards while going a quarter and a half.

Stafford showed a nice touch in hitting rookie third-round pick Derrick Williams with a 25-yard scoring strike in the third quarter, but also threw a pick that was returned for a score.

Running back Aaron Brown, who was a sixth-round pick, scored a pair of touchdowns as the Lions rallied from a 13-point deficit in the third quarter for the win. Jason Hanson hit a 47-yard-field goal as time expired.

Romberg, who left St. Louis as an unrestricted free agent to sign with the Falcons in March, played the second and third quarters at centre behind starter Todd McClure.

"So far, so good," Romberg said of the move that puts him closer to his Miami home. "I'm settling in."

Now in his eighth NFL season, Saturday's match marked the first time Romberg has gotten a chance to play in Detroit.

"I was a big Barry Sanders fan growing up," Romberg said. "My fifth grade teacher gave me an autographed picture of Eddie Murray. I idolized that and kept it on my wall.

"It's nice to finally get up here and my crew and family are here. The only thing that would have made it better is if it was the regular season."



(canada.com)