By John Sarianides
The Detroit Lions are out to prove that they are indeed a contender in the NFC. Detroit made the playoffs last season but lost to the Seahawks in the Wild Card round.
After making changes to their uniforms and personnel this off-season, the Lions are out to prove that they are indeed a contender in what a stacked conference.
As always, Detroit’s success will hinge on the right arm of Matthew Stafford. Stafford has consistently been one of the top quarterbacks in the league statistically. Last season, Stafford threw for yards and touchdown passes. Most naysayers didn’t think Stafford would put up those kind of numbers with Calvin Johnson retiring but Stafford proved that his success as a quarterback wasn’t just tied to Johnson.
Stafford has plenty of weapons at his disposal. Running backs Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick form a dynamic one, two punch that can play all three downs.
At receiver, the Lions return veterans Golden Tate and Marvin Jones but rookie Kenny Golladay has been turning heads at training camp and he could an X-factor in the red zone. Tight ends Eric Ebron and Darren Fells give the Lions two prime passing catching targets but rookie Michael Roberts out of Toledo could steal targets.
The Lions signed free agents Ricky Wagner and T.J Lang to bolster an offensive line that needs veteran leadership.
Defensively, Detroit is still one of the more underrated units in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin gets a lot out of his group.
Upfront, the Lions will once again lean on Haloti Ngata and Ziggy Ansah to pressure the quarterback. Detroit had trouble getting to the quarterback last season. The addition of Cornelius Washington could help bolster an anemic pass rush.
The addition of rookie middle linebacker Jarrad Davis gives the Lions another athletic linebacker that can play in all situations.
Veteran D.J Hayden and rookie Teez Tabor were added to a bolster a secondary that is thin at corner.
Here are three keys for the 2017 Lions.
1. Balanced Offense: The Lions must be more balanced offensively. They need to find a way to run the football better. There is too much pressure on Stafford and the passing game to produce.
2. Find a Consistent Pass Rush: The Lions need to get a more consistent pass rush from their front four. Simplyimg relying on designed pressure isn’t enough.
3. Take the Next Step: The Lions have become a perennial wild card team. They need to take the next step this season by making the playoffs and getting out of the first round. Otherwise, they are just another fringe playoff team.
In the End: Detroit will once again contend for a playoff spot. The problem is, they are in the same division as Green Bay and Minnesota. With the NFC being so competitive, getting back to the playoffs will be tough.