Today we have the Detroit Lions.
Detroit Lions
Last Season: 2-14
2010 NFL Draft: DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska, Rd. 1/Pick 2), RB Jahvid Best (California, Rd. 1/Pick 30), CB Amari Spievey (Iowa, Rd. 3/Pick 2), OT Jason Fox (Miami (FL), Rd. 4/Pick 30), DE Willie Young (NC St., Rd. 7/Pick 6), WR Timothy Toone (Weber St., Rd. 7/Pick 48)
Key Additions: CB Dre’ Bly (from 49ers), S C.C.. Brown (from NY Giants), WR Nate Burleson (from Seahawks), QB Shaun Hill (from 49ers), CB Chris Houston (from Atlanta), LB Landon Johnson (form Panthers), TE Tony Scheffler (from Broncos), G Rob Sims (from Seahawks), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (from Titans), CB Jonathan Wade (from Rams), DT Corey Williams (from Browns)
Key Losses: CB Phillip Buchanon (to Redskins), S Daniel Bullocks (Released), TE Casey FitzSimmons (Retired), LB Larry Foote (to Steelers), CB Anthony Henry (Released), DT Grady Jackson (Released), CB William James (to 49ers), OL Daniel Loper (to Raiders), S Kalvin Pearson (Released), LB Ernie Sims (to Eagles), DE Dewayne White (Released)
2010 Regular Season Schedule:
Week 1: @ Bears
Week 2: Eagles
Week 3: @ Vikings
Week 4: @ Packers
Week 5: Rams
Week 6: @ NY Giants
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: Redskins
Week 9: NY Jets
Week 10: @ Bills
Week 11: @ Cowboys
Week 12: Patriots
Week 13: Bears
Week 14: Packers
Week 15: @ Bucs
Week 16: @ Dolphins
Week 17: Vikings
Analysis: The Lions finally want to win. That is apparent by the smart moves they made in the offseason. The additions of Burleson and Scheffler will help the passing attack. Calvin Johnson still leads, but the team has a lot of options including tight end Brandon Pettigrew and Dennis Northcutt. Matthew Stafford enters his second year with signs of improvement. He gives the Lions and their fans hope of an actual franchise quarterback. Best was a great draft at the running back position and I believe he will take over Kevin Smith as the top back. The offensive line could still use a little help, but they show signs of improvement. Suh may have been the best athlete in the draft, and lucky for the Lions, the Rams needed a quarterback more than a defensive tackle. Suh will instantly contribute along with Vanden Bosch, who comes in looking to improve on his sub-par season last year, and Williams will add depth at defensive tackle. The loss of Sims doesn’t sting too much, as Johnson should be able to easily fill the shoes that Sims didn’t leave. The secondary could use help, and the Lions ability to reacquire Dre’ Bly will help. The team still has needs, but they are moving in the right direction. The only two wins last year weren’t over good teams, but look for a few more wins this year.
2010 Season Predictions: 7-9, Third in NFC North
Very brave on the 7-9 prediction, but definitely possible. I am concerned about the depth that the lions have in the secondary after watching the preseason game against Pittsburg. Also with the injury to dizon at the mlb spot is going to prove to be a problem. As long as they stay healthy, i think 6 would allow coach Jim Schwartz to comr back for another season.
ReplyDeleteWhile their secondary does have it's concerns, I think the biggest problem last year was the run defense, and that has received a huge overhaul. With the upgrade in all things offense, I think the defense can stop more teams this year to give the offense the chance to win a few in a shootout.
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