How to Fix ‘em: Detroit Lions
By: Matt Harmon
Year in Review:
Last year was the surprise playoff appearance, and this year was supposed to be the beginning of sustained success. Well things could not have been anymore of the opposite. The Lions were an undisciplined bunch and it showed in a number of close games. Stupid penalties, costly turnovers, these were just a couple examples of things that sabotaged the Lions season. The Lions reportedly considered a coaching change, but in the end opted to stick with what they had. I think that is the right move because Jim Schwartz did inherit a roster that went 0-16 and is still building a program. However, Schwartz does need to work to change the thuggin’ culture that has begun to permeate the Lions organization. The Lions need to institute a zero tolerance policy; no more bringing in questionable character guys and immediate release for any guys on the roster who get into trouble. It is very clear that the poor character guys on the roster has translated to undisciplined and lackluster play on the filed. There are also some personal changes that need to be made with the roster.
Top Five Team Needs:
Offseason Moves:
(Image taken from: http://findlogo.net/show/detail/D/detroit-lions-logo#.UPdV6aVnL1-)
Year in Review:
Last year was the surprise playoff appearance, and this year was supposed to be the beginning of sustained success. Well things could not have been anymore of the opposite. The Lions were an undisciplined bunch and it showed in a number of close games. Stupid penalties, costly turnovers, these were just a couple examples of things that sabotaged the Lions season. The Lions reportedly considered a coaching change, but in the end opted to stick with what they had. I think that is the right move because Jim Schwartz did inherit a roster that went 0-16 and is still building a program. However, Schwartz does need to work to change the thuggin’ culture that has begun to permeate the Lions organization. The Lions need to institute a zero tolerance policy; no more bringing in questionable character guys and immediate release for any guys on the roster who get into trouble. It is very clear that the poor character guys on the roster has translated to undisciplined and lackluster play on the filed. There are also some personal changes that need to be made with the roster.
Top Five Team Needs:
- Defensive ends: Cliff Avril is a free agent who has reportedly turned down a three year $30 million offer. He really needs to be retained. Kyle Vanden Bocsh is officially a bad player now. He struggles against the run and his pass rushing skills have completely eroded. If Avirl is not retained this position becomes a dire need, and at least two new starters will be required.
- Cornerback: The Lions always need a cornerback. I mean seriously they have never fixed this position. They can continue to get away with Chris Houston as a starter, provided he is resigned, but Bill Bentley couldn’t stay healthy and didn’t contribute much in his rookie year. Another high-end starter is a necessity.
- Wide Receiver: This seemed like a position at which the Lions would be set for years. But outside of the stellar Calvin Johnson, there is not much to speak of here. Ryan Broyles looked promising, but he tore another ACL and it’s hard to count on him. Titus Young is a child and the team sounds done with him, and Nate Burleson is old. Another competent guy across from Calvin Johnson, or a star slot player, would really help.
- Safety: Another perennial Lions weakness. Louis Delmas is a very good player at one safety spot, but he cannot be counted on to stay healthy what so ever, and just happens to be a free agent. Amari Spivey has shown nothing at strong safety and the team cannot continue to roll out other teams cast offs. Two players may be needed here given Delmas tenuous status.
- Running back: Jahvid Best may never see the field again, due to his concussion issues, which is a real shame. Mikel LeShoure showed zero explosiveness in his time as a starter, he just scored a bunch of touchdown. Joique Bell is a nice pass catcher and someone who has potential, but I don’t know if he can be trusted to be the starter. A steady back would really be a nice touch in this offense.
Offseason Moves:
(Image taken from: http://findlogo.net/show/detail/D/detroit-lions-logo#.UPdV6aVnL1-)
