2010 Detroit Lions preview

Every year there are four of five truly bad NFL teams. For the last decade we have counted the Detroit Lions amongst those teams. Now I think they have separated themselves a bit. I am not in any way saying this is a good football team just that they are not among the four or five worse teams in this league. I truly believe that this team is on the right path, and if a few things can go right they look capable of winning six or seven games this year. I would give GM Martin Mayhem one more NFL draft before I start to criticize the way he has gone about rebuilding this team.

Of course to stay away from criticism QB Matthew Stafford is really going to have to show Lions fans something this year. The Lions have improved his supporting cast, but work remains on the offensive line. The line isn’t as bad as it has been, and the really good news here is it is very deep. If anyone stumbles there is somebody else very capable of taking over at every line position. I can’t wait to see how this team uses RB Jahvid Best in the offense and the addition of WR Nate Burleson should help Calvin Johnson get open a few more times per game.

The defense is a major concern. First round draft pick Ndamukong Suh will need at least half this season to become a truly dominant DT. I also have big questions about their line backing corps, but will give them the benefit of the doubt for now. The secondary has been worked on, but I don’t know how much better they will be.

On Special Teams Jason Hanson continues to be the longest serving active Lions player. He will handle the kicking duties with Nick Harris returning as the punter. This team has a lot of options for both kick and punt returners and training camp will decide who they end up going with.

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•Detroit Lions news and notes
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•The history of Detroit Sports
•The Business of the NFL