The Detroit Lions enter the 2010 season off another miserable season where they managed to win just two games, but the future is starting to look a lot brighter for a franchise that hasn't been to the playoffs since 1999, and hasn't had a winning season since 2000. The Lions have been very active this offseason adding a number of players that will have a huge impact on this team turning things around this season. Here is a quick look at what the Lions will look like in 2010, plus my prediction on where they finish the year in the NFC North.
Offense: It appears that the Lions made the right call when taking quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft, as Stafford showed a lot of positive signs in his first season as a starter. However Stafford must find a way to stay healthy after playing in just 10 games in 2009, and must find a way to cut down on his 20 interceptions he racked up last season.
The Lions finished the 2009 season ranked 24th in rushing, and the Lions responded by trading back into the first round to select Cal running back Jahvid Best, who will likely start for the injured Kevin Smith. Best is an explosive runner that gives the Lions a game change out of the backfield.
At wide receiver the Lions have one of the top young talents in all of football in Calvin Johnson, but the problem has been there has been no one to take coverage away from him in his three seasons with the Lions. The Lions are hoping that newly acquired Nate Burleson can do just that. The Lions traded for tight end Tony Scheffler this offseason, and now have two very talented tight ends with Brandon Pettigrew coming off a pretty solid rookie season.
The offensive line has been a problem for the Lions over the years, but there is a chance that this unit will take some big strides in 2010. The Lions added left guard Rob Sims in a trade with the Seahawks, and he figures to start right away next to left tackle Jeff Backus. The Lions need right tackle Gosder Cherilus to show some improvements this season, as he has failed to live up to his first round selection in 2008.
Defense: The Lions have made some major upgrades on the defensive line this offseason. It started with the free agent pickup of defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, who is still an elite pass rusher heading into his 10th season. Jason Hunter and Cliff Avril are the two top candidates for the other starting end spot. With the No.2 pick in the 2010 draft the Lions selected defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and there are huge expectations for the rookie this season, and if he plays well, he will make everyone around him better.
At linebacker the Lions lost 2009 starters Ernie Sims and Larry Foote, leaving outside linebacker Julian Peterson as the only starter back from 2009. Second year pro DeAndre Levy got some action at middle linebacker last season, and is the frontrunner to start on opening day, while Zach Follett appears to have the edge at the other outside spot.
In the secondary the Lions made a trade with the Falcons for starting corner Chris Houston and he will be a big part in the Lions attempt to improve on the worst pass defense in 2009. The other starting corner job is up for grabs in training camp, with Erik King, Jonathan Wade, Dante Wesley and rookie Amari Spievey all fighting for the job. Louis Delmas is back at free safety, and the team is hoping strong safety Ko Simpson will be ready to go when the season kicks off.
Prediction - 4th NFC North: I think we are going to see a much better team than we have in the past in Detroit, but I think they are still a couple years away from really competing in the North. I think there is a good chance this team could improve to 5-6 wins this season.
For a complete look at the upcoming season check out our 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on betting the NFL odds this season, be sure to check out our live NFL odds feed for each and every game.
