The champagne is on ice, chilling for the celebration of the century.

And as the weeks go by, it becomes more and more of a possibility because, contrary to popular belief, the Detroit Lions (4-8) still have a shot at the playoffs.

If asked about his team's chances, new head coach Steve Mariucci would certainly deny it, but with a little help and a whole lot of love, the hometown professional pigskin tossers will be sitting pretty in the playoffs.

All this playoff talk gets me excited and also makes me remember the infamous words of former Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Mora, who shouted, "Playoffs? I'm just hoping we can win a game, another game."

But, yes, Steve Mariucci, your Lions team did win a game - and a big one. And they won it on Thanksgiving in front of a national audience who must now respect your team. Now all you have do is win four more, against three division leaders (Kansas City, St. Louis and Carolina) and San Diego.

Then, you have to break out your Mike Tice voodoo doll and push his team off their edge, making them lose only their last four games (Arizona, Kansas City, Chicago, Seattle). Not to mention that Green Bay would then have to lose three of their final four.

As you're reading this, I am probably angering you, just like I was scratching my fingernails down a chalkboard, with the shrill grinding noise resonating in your ear drums.

You're thinking, what is this guy talking about? How can they print such rubbish?

Well, that is the way it feels to be a Lions fan. So I will take a trip over to a little thing I like to call reality now.

You know that things have hit rock bottom when it's certain that next year's NFL Films Documentary title "The 2003 Detroit Lions" will climax with Dré Bly holding the Turducken (Fox's metallic MVP creation) high in the air, shouting "I'm going to Disney World."

The players were talking about how this was their "Super Bowl" and acted like they won one.

My point is that the Lions have problems and they run deep. The first finger is always pointed at the head coach, but that is not the problem. You can only hire and fire so many coaches before you figure out that maybe that wasn't it.

The problem is talented personnel and the Lions lack of it. Barry Sanders figured out that it wouldn't get any better and decided to retire. When Detroit let center Kevin Glover go, Sanders knew it was over.

The current Lions have the same types of problems, but maybe there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. The signing of Bly could be a symbol of something different, management that cares.

Despite the fact the team allowed former first round draft pick Chris Claiborne to pack his bags for more money in Minnesota, the Lions actually put their money where their mouth was on Bly. In fact, they spent $24.5 million over the next five seasons to bring the playmaker to the Motor City.

But, to be successful, they will need to spend more and bring in some legit help, soon. A perfect example of this has occurred in Cincinnati.

The Bengals have stockpiled talent, with players such as Corey Dillon, Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick staying around through their coaching changes, leading the charge to a 7-5 first-place record. They also hold the distinction of being the only team to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs this season.

Although they aren't a rags-to-riches afternoon special yet, they are on the way under new coach Marvin Lewis.

And instead of throwing rookie quarterback Carson Palmer to the wolves, the Bengals kept their veteran, Jon Kitna, under center. All-pro linebacker Takeo Spikes did leave in the offseason, but the nucleus of talent has stayed.

This season obviously is over for the Lions, barring a miracle, so they need to focus on their offseason. They need to bring in a talented running back, such as Dillon, not just draft an unproven rookie and throw him in.

They need younger, more talented cornerbacks, and they need wide receivers, not to mention help on the offensive line.

A new building and the die-hard Lions fans might be a draw for now, but how long can you accept never reaching a Super Bowl?

Jon Styf is a State News football reporter. He can be reached at styfjona@msu.edu.