Predicting what’s going to happen with the Detroit Lions is always a difficult proposition given the team’s recent history. It’s pretty much required of any writer previewing the Lions throw in at least one remark about how the Lions are “cursed” or doomed to a cycle of mediocrity. Either that, or to throw in a joke of Matt Millen and how much he loves receivers.
But I’m not going to do either of those things this time. I’m going to try my best to take a step back and evaluate the team as objectively as I possibly can. Here goes.
Quarterbacks-
Jon Kitna is a feisty guy with good accuracy who’s not so good at everything else. He has below-average arm strength, quickness of release, speed, quickness, and plays poorly in the clutch. But he’s a leader and that’s more than you can say for most every Lions QB in the team’s history.
Kitna put up a lot of yards last year in Mike Martz’s high-octane attack but he must cut down on the interceptions for the Lions to win in 2007. The picks were a combination of his inexperience with the system, poor offensive line, and, well, the fact that he’s Jon Kitna. Kitna can get better but probably not much better. Overall, he’s a servicable player for now.
The backup situation is shaky and rookie Drew Stanton is on IR, so Dan Orlovsky and NFL Europe star J.T. O’Sullivan must improve. Kitna is old and just might go down for a game or two. If that happens, watch the Lions plummet to the bottom of the NFC North like a rock. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.
Kevin Jones is underrated. There, I said it. Sure, he’s injury-prone and dances a little too much sometimes in the hole, but he is a good combination of power and elusiveness and would be a top back in a better system. He also can catch the ball a bit now.
Tatum Bell will be a welcome addition with his speed and T.J. Duckett was an underrated pickup to help the woeful red zone rushing attack.
Wide Receivers-
Calvin Johnson gets all the headlines but Roy Williams just might be the most dangerous receiver in the NFC. When his head is screwed on right, that is. It’s not that Williams doesn’t try hard or anything, he just has lapses of concentration, gets frustrated with losing, and drops easy balls. If the Lions get on a roll and win a few games early, Williams could explode.
Johnson will have to get up to speed after missing some training camp time but he is the best WR prospect to enter the NFL since Randy Moss. How he managed to become a #2 overall pick with Reggie Ball throwing to him at Georgia Tech boggles the mind and while Kitna is no star, he will be by far the best QB Johnson has ever played with, a prospect that should scare the rest of the division.
Mike Furrey got a big deal after a huge year in ’06 and is quick and tough enough to play the slot. Marcus Robinson is old but a tall target and a good backup while Shaun MacDonald is another Martz favorite who can play the slot well behind Furrey.
Offensive Line-
Mere mention of the words “offensive line” and “Lions” brings to mind memories of Barry Sanders taking a hand-off and getting drilled four yards behind the line of scrimmage, but this year’s unit could be a little better.
Damien Woody is allegedly in good shape at guard and could regain his old form. That would go a long way. Edwin Mulitalo is a powerful guy at the other guard spot.
Dominic Raiola is solid at center but gets pushed around by big DT’s sometimes.
The tackle spot is average with the durable-yet-inconsistent Jeff Backus and George Foster, a former Denver starter who has all the tools to be good but hasn’t quite put them together yet.
Depth should also be improved.
Defensive Line-
This could be one of the team’s strengths, and should be with Rod Marinelli coaching them. Corey Redding and Shaun Rogers could be dominant together, but Rogers is the key. Redding is going to bring it every game even with his recent big contract, but Rogers is a mystery. He has as much talent as just about any DT to ever play football but is often out-of-shape and lazy. Marinelli has made it his personal quest to get the best from Rogers but it will be one of his toughest ventures yet. Rogers might be the most important member of the team as the defense needs him to step up.
Defensive end is a big question mark altogether, and Kalimba Edwards is the epitome of the unit. He must step up and not be the invisible man he was in 2006 in order for the Lions to get a consistent pass rush in the Cover-2 system, which requires pressure from the front four. Dewayne White has a great work ethic and good talent and could be a breakout player but he is still unproven as a starter.
Linebackers-
This could be a shaky position and health is a major question.
Ernie Sims is the lone impact player. He’s short and compact with great speed, and he loves to go for the big hit. He could have a great year as he continues to learn the defense.
Boss Bailey could be good in the Cover-2 but can’t stay healthy. Same thing with Teddy Lehman. Paris Lenon is merely average. Alex Lewis can blitz and cover a little but isn’t much of a tackler.
Secondary-
The biggest question mark on the team. The Cover-2 doesn’t require great coverage skills from the cornerbacks but the Lions don’t even have adaquete corners to begin with. Fernando Bryant is an injury waiting to happen. Travis Fisher is nothing special.Stanley Wilson has great speed but is raw. Keith Smith is showing signs of progress but is nothing more than a fill-in at this point. The onus will be on this unit to not screw up.
Of course, that will be hard to do with the safeties behind them. Safeties have a lot of responsibility in the Cover-2 but the Lions’ safeties aren’t quite up to the demands of the position.
Daniel Bullocks should be steady but doesn’t make enough big plays. Kenoy Kennedy is a bad fit because he’s more of a run-stuffer at strong safety. Rookie Gerald Alexander probably won’t be ready to help for a year or two.
Special Teams-
There’s an old joke around Lions country that Jason Hanson is the MVP of the team. Only problem is that he’s the kicker and while he’s pretty good, he’s not even a perennial Pro Bowler. That should tell you all you need to know about how bad things have been in Detroit since Matt Millen took over.
Nick Harris is a pretty solid punter.
Overall-
The Lions remain an enigma, but at least they might finally be fun to watch in 2007 with all of their offensive talent. With the weaknesses at linebacker and in the secondary, expect a lot of shootouts. But how many wins should fans expect?
Their guesses are as good as mine, but here goes anyway: the Lions will go 8-8. Fans will still want Matt Millen gone. Matt Millen will stay because he is buddies with the owner, life will go in Detroit and fans will look ahead to next year. Whether they do with optimism or skepticism is their choice, but the latter is usually the best option when it comes to being a Lions fan.
