Detroit Lions Season Preview History
2011 DETROIT LIONS PREVIEW:
Just two years after going 0-16, the 2010 Detroit Lions exceed some experts expectations by going 6-10. Head coach Jim Schwartz is back to lead a Lions team that is replete with young talent and is looking to build on last year's successes.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford has somewhat lived up to the hype after he was drafted as the top pick out of the University of Georgia. It certainly doesn't hurt that he is surrounded by top-tier talent including wide receiver Calvin Johnson and running back Jahvid Best. If Stafford can stay healthy, there's no reason why the Lions can't be among the most prolific offenses in the league this year.
As for the Lions' defense, the squad was ranked toward the middle of the pack last season, but that should be a bit different this year. Second year defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh will be joined on the defensive line by rookie Nick Fairley, who was one of the most fearsome defenders in the NCAA last season. The pressure created by Fairley and Suh should take some of the pressure off an inexperienced secondary and a thin linebacking corps.
2010 Detroit Lions Football Preview:
The Detroit Lions made history two years ago by becoming the first team to go 0-16, and they slightly improved last year, riding rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford to two wins. They may win a few more games this year, but a playoff berth is still a long shot.
Stafford played in 10 of the team's games last year and would sometimes show flashes of brilliance, such as his five touchdown performance in a 38-37 win over the Cleveland Browns. He certainly has the tools to be successful, as wide receiver Calvin Johnson is one of the most talented at his position in the NFL. The offensive line could be a problem, however, and make life difficult for the Georgia grad. The running game is suspect too, as it puts a lot of pressure on Stafford's right arm.
Detroit needs even more work on defense than on offense. The squad ranked last in passing defense last year, and 25th against the run. The Lions drafted defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh with the second overall pick, and are hoping they can apply the same pressure that he did when he tore through the Big 12 as a junior at Nebraska last year.
While the Lions have a lot of young talent, there are too many holes in their offensive line and defensive backfield for them to make a push to relevancy.
2009 Detroit Lions Football Preview:
The Detroit Lions enter the 2009 NFL season with a lot less baggage then previous years. Gone is their former GM Matt Millen and players like Joey Harrington, Charles Rogers and Mike Williams. Instead the Lions will field a team built around playmaking wide out Calvin Johnson and veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper. Two great things for Lions fans is the number of young, talented players the team has acquired in recent years and the new regime giving them a fresh breath of air. And Lions need to look no further than the NFC for inspiration, because the Arizona Cardinals proved that any team in football has a shot at the Super Bowl.
2008 Detroit Lions Football Preview:
The Detroit Lions are one of the most exciting up-and-coming teams in the NFL today. When you attend a Lions game, you'll have the chance to watch perhaps the most talented receiving core in all the NFL in one of the league's newest state-of-the-art venues. Fans have been filling the stands at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan to watch the Lions' offense led by quarterback John Kitna and wide receivers Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. Go to a Lions game and you'll see how Detroit fans have rallied to support their team.