After having a down season in 2013-14, it seems the people of Detroit don’t have much to look forward to. But then again, maybe they do? With a new coaching staff, offensive weapons, and a few additions on Defense, it looks like this team could compete with the best. The real question now is, just how far can they go?
Starting with the Offense, coming in to 2014 the Detroit Lions made several acquisitions in the Off-season that could put them over the top. The additions of Wide Receiver Golden Tate and Rookie Tight End Eric Ebron will give this team the edge they need in the passing game. With a receiving corps of Calvin Johnson, Tate, Kris Durham, and Kevin Ogletree, the Lions seem well put at Wide Receiver. While Johnson usually gets double teamed, I don’t think that will happen this year. With Tate on the outside or coming out of the slot, that will create plenty of opportunities for the Lions to get down field. Durham is another big body receiver that could line up on the outside opposite of Johnson and with the trio of Johnson, Tate, and Durham things could really get interesting. This group could get a lot of yards and really do some damage out on the field. Following the receivers come the Tight Ends which include: Ebron, Joseph Fauria, and Brandon Pettigrew. Ebron may be a rookie but will get plenty of looks. He is super athletic but needs to work on his blocking and route-running. Fauria, standing in at 6’7 is a top red zone threat that will score given the opportunity. And finally Pettigrew is usually their blocking tight end, but also gets looks on passing plays. His main problem is his hands, but overall will help this Offense get down field. Overall I believe this Offense has the potential to be a top 5 Offense and put up the numbers of a Superbowl winning team.
Now time for the Defense. The Lions’ Defense was ranked 6th overall last year. The D-line has always been dominant over the past few years. Of course with Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley,and Ziggy Ansah how can you not be? The Linebacker corps of DeAndre Levy, Stephen Tulloch, and 2nd round draft pick Kyle Van Noy the linebackers look ready to continue helping with the run game and stopping short passes. Levy had 6 INTs last year, which is very good for a linebacker. He is good in the run game and looks to improve in the upcoming year. Tulloch is a good tackler and will continue being a solid starter for the Lions. Only time will tell ho Van Noy will turn out for this team. The main concern is with the Cornerbacks, and the main two are Bill Bentley and Darius Slay. Bentley caused a majority of their pass interference calls and constantly gets burned down the sideline. Hopefully he will improve but if he doesn’t it will cost the Lions in the long run. Slay showed good outings toward the end of the season, and gives good speed on the outside. If he improves even more he will easily become the #1 option at Cornerback. Last are the Safeties. The Safeties include Free Safety Glover Quinn and Strong Safety James Ihedigbo. Quinn is a solid starter and provides good coverage down the field. I look for him to continue doing what he has been. Ihedigbo comes from the Baltimore Ravens, where he started all games last year. He is an aggressive defender who is very good at run stoppage. He will be great with this Lion’s team.
At the end of the day, the Lions look like a top 10 team as long as the Offense puts up the big numbers and the Defense can do a decent job stopping their opponents. To me it ultimately comes down to the secondary doing its job and keeping the opposing pass numbers down with minimal penalties called. Only time will tell with this Lions team.
Brandon Vallar is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.
