NFL Preview: Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions


Key Additions:
DT Nick Fairley (draft)
WR Rashied Davis (FA)
LB Justin Durant (FA)
DE Keyunta Dawson (FA)
RB Jerome Harrison (FA)
LB Stephen Tulloch (FA)
CB Eric Wright (FA)
S Michael Johnson (FA)


Key Departures:
DE Turk McBride
RB Mikel Leshoure (torn Achilles) 
S C.C. Brown 
LB Landon Johnson


Report:
According to all the "experts" the Detroit Lions will be in contention for a playoff appearance. If the Lions are to contend they need QB Matthew Stafford to stay healthy. Stafford, a former #1 overall pick, has only stayed healthy for 13 games in his career. They also need RB Jahvid Best to stay healthy. Best suffered from a turf toe injury last season, and now RB Mikel Leshoure is out for the year. If Best were to get hurt they would have to rely on Maurice Morris or Jerome Harrison. One star that can stay healthy is WR Calvin Johnson. Johnson's help will come from Nate Burleson, Titus Young, and TE Brandon Pettigrew. The offensive line is dependable, they allowed a limited amount of sacks to whoever was the quarterback.


The Lions will boast one of the most intimidating defensive lines in the league. Defensive ROY Ndamukong Suh became a star and got 10 sacks from the defensive tackle position. Pairing up with Suh will be rookie Nick Fairley. Fairley enjoyed a great season at Auburn, but has a stress fracture in his foot. At DE Kyle Vanden Bosch's season was cut short by injury, but looks to bounce back. On the opposite side is underrated DE Cliff Avril. Linebacker has now become a strength for Detroit. Adding Stephen Tulloch and Justin Durant to join DeAndre Levy make the starters experienced and talented. The secondary got stronger when they signed CB Eric Wright. Wright pairs up with Chris Houston at the cornerback position. At safety Louis Delmas is a hard hitter who is quick to the ball. Amari Spievey is also a good safety, but will need to improve if the Lions want to go far.    


Longtime Detroit Lion K Jason Hanson returns from injury to kick again. Returning kicks is Stefan Logan who has a great burst of speed. 


Review:
The Lions look poised to make a run for the playoffs. They continue to draft well and get free agents that fit their system for cheap. Matthew Stafford is the key. If he can stay healthy Detroit can get a wild card spot or an above-.500 record.


Division Finish: TBA