Last Year:
The Detroit Lions must enjoy rapper Nelly?s new hit ?My Place? because they sure didn?t like playing on the road very much. Away from their place the Lions extended their cataclysmic road losing streak to 24. General Manager Matt Millen may be feeling a little hot in herre as 5 wins last year and a compiled 10-38 record during his tenure is not cutting it. The dilemma has always been injuries, and lack of talent but with a healthy draft and a healthy season it?s about time for this young team to flap their wings.
What we Learned from Last Year:
The August issue of Playboy comprises an article entitled ?Detroit, Death City?
which details how ?widespread violence and poverty have turned the Motor City into an American horror story?. If that?s the case, then I guess you can factor the Lions in to that depression. Like the city (allegedly), the NFL team was ravaged by several difficulties of their own.
Topping the list would likely be injuries. The secondary was completely depleted as starter #1 Drew Bly missed a couple of games, starter #2 Andre Goodman played only 3 games and starter #3 Chris Cash missed the entire season. Star defensive end Robert Porcher missed a couple of games, quarterback Joey Harrington played with a dislocated finger, prized possession Charles Rogers was healthy for 5 games, wide receiver Az Hakim skipped 2 games, Shawn Jefferson was around for 7, Scottie Anderson only played 9 games, and receiver/special teamers Eddie Drummond and Reggie Swinton combined for 17 games.
Essentially, the whole secondary and wide receiving corps were ill the majority of the time. It has been a couple of seasons now that Lions have been subjected to roster damages and it makes me wonder if it?s something in Detroit?s water that is causing all the nuisances or just lousy conditioning coaching.
Needless to say the absence of all of these players fogs up any evaluations that can be made of this team.
One division of this team that did manage to maintain their physical condition were the running backs but injuries would not have exacerbated their dreadful production. The Lions 5 rushing touchdowns, 376 rushing attempts, and 83.6 yards per game all ranked a lifeless last in the NFL. The lack of an effective air attack did hold these guys down, but Shawn Bryson and Orlandis Gary made it obvious they are not primetime.
The Lions had few accolades to hang their hats on last season but they can proudly admit to leading the league in one thing - fewest sacks allowed. For a second season in a row the Lions offensive line surpassed the masses by allowing a measly 20 sacks in 2002, and only 11 last year. Successful NFL teams are always built from the inside out and as this team continues through their rebuilding process they will have the comfort of one of the best offensive lines in the league.
Steve Mariucci had a jagged first season with the young Detroit club but in fairness to him the 5-win output does not accurately exhibit what this team is capable of.
What Has Changed?:
In Steve Mariucci?s second go around with the Detroit Lions, he?ll try to instill the optimism that rapidly vanished last season. With a slew of changes coming from free agency and a highly regarded draft, Detroit has a growing confidence which is slowly sinking in.
On defense the Lions added FS Brock Marion, CB Fernando Bryant, CB Dainon Sidney, and LB Teddy Lehman. The first two chumps will immediately start, and should make the secondary look like champs. Dre Bly had a Pro Bowl season last year, and now a scrappy young cornerback in Bryant will be added, and a decent nickel and dimer in Sidney will be welcomed, and the Lions have a pretty good rotation to begin with. The youthful prospects Andre Goodman and Chris Cash can slowly progress their skills while learning from the proven starters how to get the job done. Brock Marion appends valuable experience to a crew that is still very puerile and short in leadership. Brock has been to the playoffs, has been to the Pro Bowl, and should anchor the defensive backs. The weakness of the bunch will be at strong safety with Brian Walker. He?s known for poor run support and average coverage in the passing game, but the Lions don?t have anyone more qualified at that position.
The linebackers continue the youth movement as second year player Boss Bailey, and rookie Teddy Lehman are slated to start alongside the one veteran, Earl Holmes. Bailey is a solid backer at his position, and the same can be dittoed for Earl Holmes. Though their numbers from last season are average, bear in mind that they were incessantly forced into protecting weak defensive backs, and couldn?t properly focus on run support and quarterback pressure. The newest supplement to this party will be Oklahoma star Teddy Lehman. A frequent on numerous collegiate All-American teams, do not be surprised if he adapts to the NFL game fairly quickly.
Although the defensive line feature no significant additions, this stout faction will benefit the most from a revamped defense. In the middle, tackles Shaun Rogers and Dan Wilkinson were once considered unmotivated underachievers but last season they proved otherwise as they clogged the center of the line splendidly. On the ends, Robert Porcher has always been superb, while James Hall and Kalimba Edwards will continue their growth. The d-line is not one to impose sleepless nights on quarterbacks, but with a regenerated cast surrounding them they will be operative.
The buzz talk on offense has been that quarterback Joey Harrington finally has talent around him to succeed. But wasn?t the same thing parroted when he was introduced to Orlandis Gary, Az-Hakim, Bill Schroeder, and Charles Rogers? Maybe that?s comparing apples and oranges but Joey is going to look like a real fruitcake if he can?t make this situation work. The offensive line has been the one unswerving characteristic on this offense and the addition of Pro Bowl guard Damien Woody will only upgrade that consistency.
The main problem that the offense faces is that they are dealing with rookies. Regardless of Roy Williams/Randy Moss comparisons, Charles Rogers being hyped as the next best thing, and Kevin Jones being overvalued as a top tier running back already, the truth of the matter is that none of these players have made an impact in a NFL game that counts.
Charles Rogers is a few steps ahead of Roy Williams at this point, and while he may get his hands on one starting job, Roy may have to be a little more patient. Tai Streets will hold down the other gig, and Az Hakim will linger in the slot most of the time which means that the Lions are not as desperate for immediate contributions as they have been in previous years. If this crop can stay healthy, Williams and Rogers are considered game-breaking, can?t miss prospects so expect them to show their flashes by season?s end.
The rookie that will have the largest burden on his shoulders is Kevin Jones. The running game is in desperate need of a dependable running back and he will have the chance to answer the call. At Virginia Tech Jones posted outstanding yardage totals and even noble defenses like Miami?s (160 yds on 24 carries) had nothing on him. You can forget Shawn Bryson and Orlandis Gary as being his competitors when you look at their poor production last season, but the unheralded second year running back Artose Pinner will likely pull a few carries from Kevin Jones. While Jones offers versatile outside speed, Pinner is an inside runner and will change the pace in short yardage situations.
Like so many other prospects on this team, it?s time for Joey Harrington to show what he is worth. He moderately built on his rookie stats last year which is noteworthy since he had very little assistance. Joey has to take this offense by the horns and display the intangibles that separate him from similar draftee David Carr.
There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it, the Lions defense will be legitimate but the question that lends curiosity is how much will the offense improve? We?ve seen running backs that impress in their first season such as Jamal Lewis and LaDainian Tomlinson but we?ve also seen the Thomas Jones? and Ron Daynes of the league. Is Roy Williams an Anquan Boldin/Randy Moss contributor in his first season, or is he a David Terrell in the making?
Steve Mariucci is a wizard at inspiring young talent but the final record of this team is entwined with the expectations of the key rookies on the offense. With Moss and Tomlinson, Detroit is a Super Bowl contender, but with Dayne and Terrell, the Lions best look towards the future once again.
O/U 6.5:
Known as one of the weaker division in the NFL, partially because of this very team, the Detroit Lions are looking to interrupt the pattern of listlessness. They need to crawl before they walk, which means at least one win on the road is necessary for this team to regain self respect. If all the pieces fall into place?you just never know. Here?s who they play: HOU, PHI, @ATL, @NYG, @DAL, WAS, @JAX, IND, ARI, and @TEN.
Fantasy Sleeper:
This young team seems to be bubbling with fantasy value and many people will look to strike gold with a number of the prospects on this team. While Charles Rogers, Roy Williams and Kevin Jones are all essentially rookies, Joey Harrington may be the best bet if he drops. It?s likely that someone will take a chance on Kevin Jones in an early round because of the amount of carries he?s slated to get. If Harrington has healthy receivers, you know what the offensive line can do, and hopefully your fantasy opponents will know what Joey can do as well.
The Detroit Lions must enjoy rapper Nelly?s new hit ?My Place? because they sure didn?t like playing on the road very much. Away from their place the Lions extended their cataclysmic road losing streak to 24. General Manager Matt Millen may be feeling a little hot in herre as 5 wins last year and a compiled 10-38 record during his tenure is not cutting it. The dilemma has always been injuries, and lack of talent but with a healthy draft and a healthy season it?s about time for this young team to flap their wings.
What we Learned from Last Year:
The August issue of Playboy comprises an article entitled ?Detroit, Death City?
which details how ?widespread violence and poverty have turned the Motor City into an American horror story?. If that?s the case, then I guess you can factor the Lions in to that depression. Like the city (allegedly), the NFL team was ravaged by several difficulties of their own.
Topping the list would likely be injuries. The secondary was completely depleted as starter #1 Drew Bly missed a couple of games, starter #2 Andre Goodman played only 3 games and starter #3 Chris Cash missed the entire season. Star defensive end Robert Porcher missed a couple of games, quarterback Joey Harrington played with a dislocated finger, prized possession Charles Rogers was healthy for 5 games, wide receiver Az Hakim skipped 2 games, Shawn Jefferson was around for 7, Scottie Anderson only played 9 games, and receiver/special teamers Eddie Drummond and Reggie Swinton combined for 17 games.
Essentially, the whole secondary and wide receiving corps were ill the majority of the time. It has been a couple of seasons now that Lions have been subjected to roster damages and it makes me wonder if it?s something in Detroit?s water that is causing all the nuisances or just lousy conditioning coaching.
Needless to say the absence of all of these players fogs up any evaluations that can be made of this team.
One division of this team that did manage to maintain their physical condition were the running backs but injuries would not have exacerbated their dreadful production. The Lions 5 rushing touchdowns, 376 rushing attempts, and 83.6 yards per game all ranked a lifeless last in the NFL. The lack of an effective air attack did hold these guys down, but Shawn Bryson and Orlandis Gary made it obvious they are not primetime.
The Lions had few accolades to hang their hats on last season but they can proudly admit to leading the league in one thing - fewest sacks allowed. For a second season in a row the Lions offensive line surpassed the masses by allowing a measly 20 sacks in 2002, and only 11 last year. Successful NFL teams are always built from the inside out and as this team continues through their rebuilding process they will have the comfort of one of the best offensive lines in the league.
Steve Mariucci had a jagged first season with the young Detroit club but in fairness to him the 5-win output does not accurately exhibit what this team is capable of.
What Has Changed?:
In Steve Mariucci?s second go around with the Detroit Lions, he?ll try to instill the optimism that rapidly vanished last season. With a slew of changes coming from free agency and a highly regarded draft, Detroit has a growing confidence which is slowly sinking in.
On defense the Lions added FS Brock Marion, CB Fernando Bryant, CB Dainon Sidney, and LB Teddy Lehman. The first two chumps will immediately start, and should make the secondary look like champs. Dre Bly had a Pro Bowl season last year, and now a scrappy young cornerback in Bryant will be added, and a decent nickel and dimer in Sidney will be welcomed, and the Lions have a pretty good rotation to begin with. The youthful prospects Andre Goodman and Chris Cash can slowly progress their skills while learning from the proven starters how to get the job done. Brock Marion appends valuable experience to a crew that is still very puerile and short in leadership. Brock has been to the playoffs, has been to the Pro Bowl, and should anchor the defensive backs. The weakness of the bunch will be at strong safety with Brian Walker. He?s known for poor run support and average coverage in the passing game, but the Lions don?t have anyone more qualified at that position.
The linebackers continue the youth movement as second year player Boss Bailey, and rookie Teddy Lehman are slated to start alongside the one veteran, Earl Holmes. Bailey is a solid backer at his position, and the same can be dittoed for Earl Holmes. Though their numbers from last season are average, bear in mind that they were incessantly forced into protecting weak defensive backs, and couldn?t properly focus on run support and quarterback pressure. The newest supplement to this party will be Oklahoma star Teddy Lehman. A frequent on numerous collegiate All-American teams, do not be surprised if he adapts to the NFL game fairly quickly.
Although the defensive line feature no significant additions, this stout faction will benefit the most from a revamped defense. In the middle, tackles Shaun Rogers and Dan Wilkinson were once considered unmotivated underachievers but last season they proved otherwise as they clogged the center of the line splendidly. On the ends, Robert Porcher has always been superb, while James Hall and Kalimba Edwards will continue their growth. The d-line is not one to impose sleepless nights on quarterbacks, but with a regenerated cast surrounding them they will be operative.
The buzz talk on offense has been that quarterback Joey Harrington finally has talent around him to succeed. But wasn?t the same thing parroted when he was introduced to Orlandis Gary, Az-Hakim, Bill Schroeder, and Charles Rogers? Maybe that?s comparing apples and oranges but Joey is going to look like a real fruitcake if he can?t make this situation work. The offensive line has been the one unswerving characteristic on this offense and the addition of Pro Bowl guard Damien Woody will only upgrade that consistency.
The main problem that the offense faces is that they are dealing with rookies. Regardless of Roy Williams/Randy Moss comparisons, Charles Rogers being hyped as the next best thing, and Kevin Jones being overvalued as a top tier running back already, the truth of the matter is that none of these players have made an impact in a NFL game that counts.
Charles Rogers is a few steps ahead of Roy Williams at this point, and while he may get his hands on one starting job, Roy may have to be a little more patient. Tai Streets will hold down the other gig, and Az Hakim will linger in the slot most of the time which means that the Lions are not as desperate for immediate contributions as they have been in previous years. If this crop can stay healthy, Williams and Rogers are considered game-breaking, can?t miss prospects so expect them to show their flashes by season?s end.
The rookie that will have the largest burden on his shoulders is Kevin Jones. The running game is in desperate need of a dependable running back and he will have the chance to answer the call. At Virginia Tech Jones posted outstanding yardage totals and even noble defenses like Miami?s (160 yds on 24 carries) had nothing on him. You can forget Shawn Bryson and Orlandis Gary as being his competitors when you look at their poor production last season, but the unheralded second year running back Artose Pinner will likely pull a few carries from Kevin Jones. While Jones offers versatile outside speed, Pinner is an inside runner and will change the pace in short yardage situations.
Like so many other prospects on this team, it?s time for Joey Harrington to show what he is worth. He moderately built on his rookie stats last year which is noteworthy since he had very little assistance. Joey has to take this offense by the horns and display the intangibles that separate him from similar draftee David Carr.
There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it, the Lions defense will be legitimate but the question that lends curiosity is how much will the offense improve? We?ve seen running backs that impress in their first season such as Jamal Lewis and LaDainian Tomlinson but we?ve also seen the Thomas Jones? and Ron Daynes of the league. Is Roy Williams an Anquan Boldin/Randy Moss contributor in his first season, or is he a David Terrell in the making?
Steve Mariucci is a wizard at inspiring young talent but the final record of this team is entwined with the expectations of the key rookies on the offense. With Moss and Tomlinson, Detroit is a Super Bowl contender, but with Dayne and Terrell, the Lions best look towards the future once again.
O/U 6.5:
Known as one of the weaker division in the NFL, partially because of this very team, the Detroit Lions are looking to interrupt the pattern of listlessness. They need to crawl before they walk, which means at least one win on the road is necessary for this team to regain self respect. If all the pieces fall into place?you just never know. Here?s who they play: HOU, PHI, @ATL, @NYG, @DAL, WAS, @JAX, IND, ARI, and @TEN.
Fantasy Sleeper:
This young team seems to be bubbling with fantasy value and many people will look to strike gold with a number of the prospects on this team. While Charles Rogers, Roy Williams and Kevin Jones are all essentially rookies, Joey Harrington may be the best bet if he drops. It?s likely that someone will take a chance on Kevin Jones in an early round because of the amount of carries he?s slated to get. If Harrington has healthy receivers, you know what the offensive line can do, and hopefully your fantasy opponents will know what Joey can do as well.
