Boss Bailey, Champ's younger brother and a member of the ESPN.com and Football Digest All-Rookie teams, emerged as a future star at outside linebacker during his rookie season. This speedy linebacker could be paired with rookie Teddy Lehman to give the Lions tremendous quickness on the outside. In the middle, nine-year veteran Earl Holmes gives the Lions young linebacking group much needed experience. Look for the Lions to experiment with moving Lehman to the middle and using second-year pro James Davis to replace the departed Barrett Green on the outside.
The defensive secondary was decimated by injuries in 2003, however free agent Dre' Bly managed six interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, scored the winning touchdown in the Pro-Bowl and was the Lions MVP on defense. Bly will be paired with former Jaguar and first-round draft pick Fernando Bryant at the corner giving Detroit two solid cover corners. Rookie Keith Smith joins Chris Cash and Andre' Goodman, both returning from injuries, to give the Lions depth and superior nickel and dime packages. Free agent Brock Marion will quarterback the Lions defense from the safety position. Marion will be joined by one of last year's starters, the Walkers (Brian and Bracy) or Torry Holt's younger brother Terrance at the other safety position.
The Lions special teams should be special again as Jason Hanson, the Lions all-time scoring leader, resumes placekicking duties and should benefit from an improved offense. Hanson connected on 22-of-23 field goals in 2003. Nick Harris will compete with rookie Curtis Ansel for the punting position. Wide receivers Reggie Swinton, the only returner besides Dante Hall to return both a punt and kickoff for a touchdown, and Eddie Drummond, the Lions 2002 rookie of the year, will battle in training camp for kick return responsibilities.
STRENGTHS:
As a team, the Lions are much younger and faster than they were a year ago. Matt Millen turned two of the team's biggest weaknesses, wide receiver and the defensive secondary, into strengths through the draft and free agency. Both positions were hurt by injuries in 2003 but have added significant depth for the 2004 season. The defensive line should continue to be strength for Detroit.
WEAKNESSES: The Lions are very young at the offensive skill positions (QB, WR, RB) and that should translate into inconsistent performances. A similar situation exists at linebacker, especially if Lehman moves into the starting MLB role. The addition of Alexander at tight end is questionable given his recent medical history and could turn into a problem with the release of Ricks.
2004 OUTLOOK:
Much of the Lions success in 2004 rests on the shoulders and arm of quarterback Joey Harrington. The third year of a QB is seen as crucial to their overall development and future star potential. Joey now has an array of offensive firepower around him; there should be no excuses for any lack of productivity for the Lions offense. The Lions need Harrington to take full advantage of his new weapons to take the team to the next level.
Detroit did a very nice job of filling holes and upgrading the team through free agency and the draft, time to give Matt Millen some credit after spending a few years of on-the-job training. Steve Mariucci enters his second year with the club with a much better roster and heightened expectations in Motown.
The first item on the progress chart will be to end their NFL record road-losing streak. Opening week one in Chicago with a rookie head coach and near rookie QB was a blessing from the NFL schedule makers.
While a playoff run is probably not likely until 2005, the 2004 version should provide plenty of excitement and fans should be happy with a .500 season. Green Bay and Minnesota still will rule the division but the Lions appear to have closed the gap considerably.