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Scott Mitchell Says Barry Sanders Also to Blame for Lions' Playoff Failures

Scott Mitchell says it is not all his fault the Lions did not win Super Bowl.

John Maakaron

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Former Detroit Lions quarterback Scott Mitchell has taken issue with Bye Bye Barry, a new documentary released by Amazon Prime centered on the life and legacy of Barry Sanders.

Mitchell, who was Sanders' teammate for five seasons, posted his disapproval in a social media message Tuesday morning.

"I am so tired of hearing how I was the reason that Barry Sanders never won a Super Bowl," Mitchell wrote. "I'm so tired of hearing how I was not a good QB. My only response is (expletive) you all!!!!! That includes #eminem #JeffDaniels." 

It has been commonly believed the massive contract that was given to Mitchell prevented the team from being able to sign its own free agents, upsetting the future Pro Football Hall of Fame running back. 

Linebacker Chris Spielman, along with offensive linemen Lomas Brown and Kevin Glover, departed. This left the team not as talented in the later stages of Sanders' career. 

Mitchell expressed, "I could argue that their were several running backs that were more complete, but I won't. Barry was great!!"

Detroit's former signal-caller was disappointed at the lack of support from his former coach, and expressed the team could have had success had offensive coordinator Tom Moore not been fired and Bobby Ross not been named to replace Wayne Fontes. 

"Bottom line, #BarrySanders had everything in Detroit. Everyone loved him. Everything was built for Barry to succeed. In his 10-year career, he won one playoff game and the only reason he didn't win more was everyone else was the problem??? How many yards did Barry have in the playoffs in 94,95,97? I'll give you a hint: not very many," Mitchell commented. "We all are to blame for not winning a SB in Detroit, even Barry Sanders."

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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