When viewed under a certain lighting, no team has displayed as much improvement last year as the Detroit Lions. Though they only managed a feeble two wins, that's still two wins more than the prior season. The psychological effects of winning multiple games after suffering an 0-16 season in 2008 should not be undersold. The Detroit Lions are the happiest 2-14 team in history. They have made practically every correct move the team could make within the past two offseasons.
They already have their gutsy franchise quarterback in place with Matthew Stafford. Stafford will benefit greatly from the consistency of free agent addition, Nate Burleson, along with budding superfreak Calvin Johnson. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew should develop a stronger role in the passing game as well.Perhaps the biggest key in the success of Matt Stafford is electrifying rookie, Jahvid Best. Not only will Best's running ability keep defenders from dropping back in coverage, but his pass-catching ability out of the backfield will serve as an invaluable security blanket for Stafford. Also look for the Lions to utilize more screen plays to help get the ball into their new playmaker's hands.
The teams biggest improvement lies on their defensive side of the ball. Their anemic secondary has seen an overhaul in its cornerbacks, introducing two new veteran starters from free agency: Dre Bly and Chris Houston. Julian Peterson is still a beast at outside linebacker and the defensive has seen a massive improvement in the offseason. With the 2nd overall pick in the draft, Detroit selected Nebraska mammoth, Ndamukong Suh. With the presence of Suh in the heart of the defensive front line, opposing linemen will have much greater difficulty winning the battle in the trenches. Also bolstering their defensive line, The Lions added blue-collar pass-rusher Kyle Vanden Bosch in free agency. After showing last year that he can be nullified when matched with double teams, look for Vanden Bosch to rebound his tackle and sack totals this year. Accompanied by Ndamukong Suh, Kyle Vanden Bosch should register a season similar to those with Albert Haynesworth.
I expect a big improvement along both sides of the ball this year. They will have a absurdly difficult time winning games this season due to their ridiculously tough schedule, but their quality of football will unquestionably see a stark improvement.
My prediction for the season - an admirable 5-11.
The Lions really have made all the right moves in the offseason, and even flited with reuniting Vanden Bosch with Haynesworth which would have meant one of the best D-Lines in the league.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say they are one of the most imroved teams in the league, but with they bear of a schedule they have it might not be directly reflected in their record. They should have some close games and if they can get leads like they did last year it should be a little more difficult for them to choke late in games like they did last year. 5 wins sounds about right with the teams they have to face this season.
nice blog. can't wait til you get to the eagles! if you guys could add a "fantasy for dummies" blog next time your bored i'd greatly appreciate it.
ReplyDelete-anonymous