The Checkdown

+ +
Posted 04.22.09 | 5:15 PM

Dressed for success?

Lions, Jaguars 'updated' looks offer uninspired changes
SHARE E-MAIL PRINT
By Anthony May
Contact | Profile
So, you finished 0-16 last season and you're only a few days from making the first overall pick of the draft: What franchise-altering change is at the top of your to-do list? Unveil new uniforms, duh.

With dozens of far more pressing matters facing the Detroit Lions management, they took a timeout on Tuesday to unveil a (slightly) modified logo/uniform package.

At first blush, the Kitties' new unis don't look drastically different from the Honolulu blue and silver duds (pun intended) they lost sixteen games in a season ago. But a quick zoom-in on the helmets and you'll get a look at a slightly "angrier" Lion logo. White accents have been added to give the Lion eyes and teeth, updating the simple out-lined lion of old.

On the whole, the new look is hardly noteworthy, and without this formal "announcement," I doubt the casual non-Lions-fan observer would have taken notice when the team takes the turf this fall.

Not to be outdone, the Jacksonville Jaguars unveiled an equally uninspired logo/uniform update Wednesday afternoon. The Jags have simplified their look, cleaning up the lines and eliminating the yellow/gold from their game day outfits.

Other modifications include a slightly tweaked logo 'layout' -- the Jag head is the same, just with a new typesetting -- and a new paint job on their helmets, trading in the flat black for a green "shimmer." I suspect they'll look something like that Grand Am in your neighborhood whose sound system is worth more than the vehicle... you know what I'm talking about.

All things told, neither Jacksonville nor Detroit's "unveilings" are noteworthy; No new logos (really) or colors, just tweaks. At least everything is spelled correctly.

What do you guys think of the "upgrades?" Do you care at all? Are there any teams beside these two that need rebranding? 
Comment using