Coming off their first playoff appearance in years, the Lions aren't getting a lot of respect because of their poor reputation. "Detroit is so young, they don't have the vets to tell the young guys to knock it off," a NFC personnel executive said last month. "In Pittsburgh or Baltimore, they can take guys, because there, in those places, they can't act up. They're put in that brotherhood, and they know if they do it, Ray Lewis is gonna come after their ass. When you're young and stupid, and there's no leadership, it can be a problem." They are perceived as an undisciplined team with the capability of self-implosion. "It's not right. It's unfair that you would put the whole thing on the team," said defensive end Cliff Avril, who is still looking for a new contract. "The guys that have gotten in trouble are fairly young. It's a learning curve for these guys, understanding that you can't do these things because it affects not only your teammates but your family, and so on. I think once the guys get an understanding (of) how this thing is run, they'll be all right. But it's not fair to make it a reflection of the whole team."