2007 Rankings
Rushing: 31st (80.5)
Passing: 9th (242.4)
Total Offense: 19th (322.9)
Run Defense: 23rd (119.4)
Pass Defense: 31st (258.2)
Total Defense: 32nd (377.6)
What was the Lions’ best move during the offseason?
After ranking next to last in the league in running the ball, the Detroit Lions looked to rectify the problem long term by spending two of their first three picks in the 2008 NFL draft on an offensive lineman and a running back. Gosder Cherlius, an offensive tackle who was selected in the first round, could push veteran George Foster at right tackle. At worst, he gives the team solid depth at the tackle position.
Third-round running back Kevin Smith is a fluid runner and a good fit for Detroit’s new zone blocking scheme. He should add a spark to the Lions’ backfield, and it’s probably only a matter of time before he becomes the team’s No.1 option on the ground over veteran Tatum Bell. If Smith doesn’t overtake the veteran, that’s probably a sign that Detroit’s running game probably won’t be much better than last year’s.
What needs to go right for the Lions to succeed this season?
As eluded to above, the Lions’ offense must develop some sort of running game to take pressure off quarterback Jon Kitna. In Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson, Detroit has receivers who make it tempting to throw the ball all day long. But by going to a more balanced attack, those guys actually become even more dangerous. And defenses won’t get as much opportunity to tee off on Kitna.
Detroit must also get better in pass defense, and the additions of veteran corners Leigh Bodden and Brian Kelly, when teamed with incumbent starter Travis Fisher, make the Lions respectable on the outside. Strong safety Dwight Smith adds some depth and experience as well to the defensive secondary. With all of these guys having experience in the Tampa Two the Lions run, it’s hard to imagine these additions won’t make an immediate improvement in the pass defense.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like they are going to get a lot of help out of the front seven. Ernie Sims is a stud at weakside linebacker, but the team doesn’t have a proven pass rusher at defensive end and defensive tackle Shaun Rogers is no longer around to draw attention away from them. The team will also be relying on a rookie in second-rounder Jordan Dizon to man the middle linebacker spot.
Where will the Lions finish the 2008 NFL season?
I really like the way Rod Marinelli is overhauling this roster with players that fit his mold, and I believe it will begin to show this season. The process is far from complete at this time and there are still a lot of questions surrounding this club. If they can get some consistency in the running game, and a marked improvement overall by the defense, this team could compete in the NFC North, where all the other teams in the division have questions at the quarterback position.
In fact, if things go the right way early for Marinelli and his crew, they could be one of the surprise teams this year. The potential for an explosive offense is there. And it could be enough to keep them in playoff contention most of the season as long as they don’t collapse again on the defensive side.
Prediction: 8-8 and third in the NFC North.