NFL Preview: Detroit Lions

by BD, Sports Show On Mute

It's depressing how long this team has been bad. As a native Detroiter it's even worse. But the Tigers managed to turn it around so the Lions can too right? Well, maybe. The Tigers have a quality owner, the Lions have a horrible one. Is this the year us long suffering Lions fans finally get a team worth watching? I'm going to attempt to figure that out.

Last Season
Where do I start? Maybe, with Roy Williams guaranteeing victories then never happened? How about all that talk about offense that left us laughing after this 9-6 loss to Seattle to open the season? Just about everywhere you look it was bad last season. Sure, the offense eventually got on track and was, if nothing else, interesting to watch. But, they got shut out against their division rivals. Who, outside of the Bears are generally pretty terrible. They closed the season on a high note, knocking off the playoff bound Dallas Cowboys. It was ironic, in the win they secured the #2 pick, and knocked themselves out of contention for the #1 overall pick. It seemed to me, the Lions had failed again. They couldn't even lose when we wanted them too. In retrospect, I'm happy they won. As I prefer Calvin Johnson, by a wide margin, to JaMarcus Russell. Despite the Cowboys playoff failures last season's final game should have given some of us one thing: optimism. Whether you chose to believe or not, is up to you.

Offense
has brought, if nothing else, decent offense into Ford Field. The problems? The QB is turnover prone, the offensive line couldn't stop a group of twelve year Ahhh, arguably the single bright spot in the otherwise dark world of Lions football. Mike Martzolds to save their lives, and we'll.... Tatum Bell is not Kevin Jones whether he thinks so or not. While I expect CJ and Roy to both put up monster numbers on each side of the field, and Mike Furrey should be solid out of the slot. I have a hard time believing the Lions will go anywhere with John Kitna and the aforementioned offensive line. If you consider how many times he was sacked last year (63), one would have to assume, if this keeps up Kitna will be spending a little time on the sideline. The problem with that? His backups really aren't much better. While I'd like to see Dan Orlovsky get a shot he's been horrible every time he's gotten even a a handful of snaps in a regular season game. JT O'Sullivan? One can only pray it doesn't come to that. Thus, we are unfortunately forced to hope Kitna stays healthy, speeds up his reads, cuts down on his picks, and when needed, actually displays some athleticism.

On the running back front, I'm hoping to see a healthy and ready to go Kevin Jones as soon as possible. I've never been impressed with Tatum Bell. Though, to be fair, he may work in Martz's offense ala Trung Canidate. And you can toss TJ Duckett in the same pile as O'Sullivan.

And finally, I think we all know the Receivers will be good. As long as their offensive line gives the QB a shot to get them the ball. Expect points, and lots of them, if only they didn't need a....

Defense
Wow, the defense is BAD. Well, ok, it's not that bad. But, their essentially playing without a defensive secondary all together. Despite his numerous character flaws, Dre' Bly was the closest thing the Lions had to a legitimate NFL CB. As sad as that is. Kennoy Kennedy is a heavy hitter who can't stop anone when forced into coverage. I expect to see him beat deep at least 7-10 times this season. That said, Daniel Bullocks was inconsistent last year and may not be the answer opposite Kennedy. The team seems to have lost confidence in a guy they drafted just last season. Having taken Gerald Alexander in the 2nd round of this years draft. Which ever one of them manages to win the job, or hold on to it longest at least, needs to be able to cover Kennedy's back on passing downs. The Lions will once again rank near the bottom of the league against the pass. It's one of few things in life I'm certain of.

Looking at the linebackers you have only one bright spot: Ernie Sims. Probably the most talented defensive player on the team Sims piled up 124 tackles in his rookie campaign and should continue to get even better in his second year. Outside of him, you have Boss Bailey, who as the over-hyped mental midget that he is should once again disappoint. Paris Lennon is a backup, who starts because Millen's a jackass and doesn't think we need a middle linebacker. Despite Teddy Lehman missing almost all of the last two seasons. If by some grace of Jehovah Lehman stays healthy this year the unit could be better. But, I'm not expecting it. And neither should you.

The only real strength of the defense is up front on the defensive line. While I absolutely hate the contracts Dwayne White and Cory Redding got out of Matt Millen. AT least in Redding's case it was the only alternative to losing him. But, Dwayne White? A guy couldn't get consistent playing time in Tampa Bay is immediately starting here. Only in Detroit. To tell you the truth it's beginning to feel like a weird mix of what Steve Spurrier did when he first got to Washington. Ya know? Adding all of those Gators who couldn't play at the NFL level. Well here we are stocking up on all the former St. Louis and Tampa Bay players we can. Well, except for the really good ones. Anyhow, Shaun Rogers is lazy and doesn't deserve to play in the league. I'd expect a lot more disappointment from him. If the line is going to live up to the hype it'll be because I've underestimated White and Redding is earning his paycheck.

Coaching
Rod Marinelli has the personality that this team has needed for a very long time. I like him for the most part. Though he is a little quirky. And makes some horrible decisions in-game. He was, and still is, the ideal fit for a team that lacks discipline. However, I'm not sure he'll be around long enough to find out if it works. Another 3-13 and he could be shown the door. The keys likely dropped right into Make Martz's hands.

As much as I enjoy watching Martz work his offensive magic, it's no secret he wants to be a head coach, not a coordinator. He did his share of flirting in the off-season and despite never being offered a job he'd be a good fit in a number of spots that could open up. And bottom line, offense sells tickets. I truly believe Martz will be the next head coach in Detroit. Whether Millen has already guaranteed him that or not, I couldn't tell you.

Joe Barry is the defensive coordinator after Donnie Henderson was fired. Luckily for him, expectations are low.

Fantasy Impact
If he's healthy Kitna should put up even bigger numbers this year after adding CJ to the solid tandem of Furrey and Roy. Regardless of the pass first attitude in Detroit, they'll be trailing early and often, just like last year. I expect Kitna to finish on the edge of the top 5 QB's by the end of the season.

Roy Williams is once again a lock to finish in the top 10 at his position. With CJ taking his starting job, and Furrey moving into the slot he should have a noticeable drop off but still be a decent late round pickup in deep leagues. I fully expect CJ to have a solid year and be worthy of a 2nd and 3rd WR slot on your roster.

Leave the RB's alone. Tatum Bell won't be getting any touchdowns with TJ Duckett around and neither will Kevin Jones whenever he returns. Neither Bell or Jones are worth anything more than a 4th RB slot on your roster.

If you draft the Lions defense you should quit fantasy football all-together.

Cheerleaders
Believe it or not, the Lions still do not have any Cheerleaders.

Prediction
After looking at the addition of CJ and all the subtractions on the defensive side of the ball it's hard to know exactly where the Lions might fall this season. ESPN has labeled them one of the team's capable of duplicating what the Saints did last year. I personally don't think the defense is even as good as the Saints and that they are highly unlikely go make the playoffs. Barring some kind of miracle that is. Maybe, I'm just a classic Lions fan and I lack any real belief that they'll ever be good. But, their defense is arguably the worst in the league and you can't win with just offense. Without further adieu here's my official prediction for the Lions in 2007.

Record: 6-10

I'd say that's pretty optimistic when you consider just how bad this team was last year. The absolute ceiling for Detroit would be 8-8 and include season sweeps of Green Bay and Minnesota. Otherwise, they'll win those home games and we'll be seeing a whole lot of losing on the road. Much like Martz Rams the offense will struggle off the turf.

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