Despite a weak economy and a good chance the Lions don't sell out Ford Field for the first time since it opened in 2002, there's still reason for optimism, Detroit-area football fans. No, really, team president and local pariah Matt Millen says so:

"I think that our fan base is a pretty knowledgeable fan base, so I think they'll believe their eyes," Millen said.

"And I think this is a great football town. I've said that a million times. So I think the more they can see and the more they get a feel for this group, I think they're going to like what they see. That's my opinion. So they'll make their own decisions."

And, as everybody knows, Millen's opinion carries a lot of weight around the league. Seriously, this is exactly what you'd expect the team president to say, whether he believes it or not. The difference: Millen's been giving this speech for almost a decade now and nothing has changed, on the field or in the front office.

And it's that, perhaps more than the crappy Michigan economy, that explains why ticket sales are down. Luckily, this brilliant marketing campaign should make up the difference. But, hey, maybe this is the year. And to his credit, Millen understands why fans might be skeptical: "...It's never how you start. It's how you finish. Ask New England."

That's right, a guy who has "led" the Lions organization to a whopping 31 wins since 2001 is pointing out the 2007 Patriots' shortcomings. Do you believe now? Even a little bit? No? Moving on...