Detroit Lions – Emerging from the Dark Ages

A three game winning streak! Two straight wins on the road! Both of these modest accomplishments were something the Detroit  Lions had not done since 2004. Wow, that looks even worse in print than saying it out loud. The Lions picked off two Chad Henne passes in the fourth quarter, including LB DeAndre Levy’s 30 yard interception return for a touchdown with 2:11 remaining. The Lion’s defense held off a late drive to cap an impressive comeback after being down 27-17 with just over five minutes left in the game. With a win at home next week over the reeling Minnesota Vikings, Detroit can finish with a four game winning streak and a 6-10 record. While 6-10 gets many NFL coaches a gig in the broadcast booth, for Lion’s coach Jim Schwartz and his staff this is progress. Given the condition of this team after the historic 0-16 debacle of 2008, progressing from a 2-win 2009 to a 6-win 2010 is certainly moving in the right direction. My advice for Lions fans calling for Schwartz’s head on local talk radio, time for a reality check.
The Lions have been the laughing stock of the NFL and easy fodder for late-night TV talk show hosts for years. The level of ineptitude perpetrated on this organization, and city, by former GM Matt Millen is legendary and well-documented. Not a single player remains with the Lions from Millen’s drafts from 2002 – 2006. Five years of drafting at the top of the draft and not one player from those five years remains on the roster. Those are the players who should be part of the foundation of the team. They should be your four to eight year veterans, anchoring this team and teaching the young talent. Millen’s complete inability to hire the right coaches and evaluate talent cost the Lions years of development. A blindfolded monkey could do a better job.
Wins and losses are the ultimate measuring stick of success in any sport. Yet the change in attitude and fortitude of this new group of Lions is impressive. It is a testament to the shrewd work of GM Martin Mayhew, Coach Jim Swartz and their respective staffs. This is a franchise which has won exactly one, that’s right, one playoff game in 53 years. During the 0-16 debacle in 2008 (Millen’s last year) the Lions were outscored by an astounding 249 points. Usually they were down by three touchdowns before most fans had found their seats. In Schwartz’s first year at the helm they were outscored by an equally horrendous 232 points, but most observers agreed the talent level was improving. Fast forward to 2010 and consider these statistics (through 15 games).
A) 14 – The total number of points by which the Lions have been outscored by their opponents this year. Take away the 4th quarter meltdown against Tom Brady and the world-class Patriots and this year’s Lions have gone toe-to-toe with virtually every opponent. They have overcome some heartbreaking early defeats, kept battling, and are learning how to finish out games.
B) The Lions have gained almost the identical number of yards as their opponents and have run an average of 9 more plays per game. Time of Possession is even as well.
C) Detroit has recorded 41 sacks (4th in the NFL) to 26 by their opponents. The Lions are also a plus 5 in turnover margin. Their defensive front four has been very good and outright dominant at times, led by sensational rookie DT Ndamukong Suh. They bring the type of pressure that keeps offensive coordinators up at night.
D) Overall the Lions rank 20th in total defense and 17th in total offense. This represents significant progress over their dead last rankings of the past few years.
Yet numbers tell only part of the story. Over the past 10 years teams had little to fear against Detroit. There was no respect for the Lions as a franchise or the team on the field. Now the guys on the other side of the ball know they are in for a battle. These Lions play hard, play physical and give as good as they get. Do they still have holes to fill (see secondary, linebacker and offensive line), absolutely. Have they shown a propensity to take penalties at critical moments in games, sure. But the Lions have continued to compete, shown improvement in many areas and are finishing strong and building for 2011.
With a healthy Matt Stafford and Jahvid Best their offense has a chance to be very dangerous. Stafford will be a dominant QB in this league as he gains experience, with the ability to take over games. Adding a quality third receiver to go with Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson will give the Lions more offensive weapons than most teams in the league. I would also expect Mayhew to invest an early pick for either an offensive tackle or guard if he doesn’t find the right player in free agency.
On defense, the Lions must add a top cornerback to pair with Chris Houston, who has had a solid first year after his acquisition from the Falcons. This was an excellent trade by Mayhew as was picking up Alonzo Smith for 7th round draft choice, TE Dan Gronkowski. Smith should be a great fit as the third cornerback. He picked off 5 passes this year before going on injured reserve. In addition, Detroit needs an impact linebacker who can play both the run and the pass. A big physical middle linebacker would allow DeAndre Levy to move to his more natural position outside.
Bringing in Danny Grossman to coach special teams has transformed these units into a physical and disciplined group. Stephan Logan was a great signing (2nd in the league in kickoff returns, 4th in punt returns) and is electric every time he touches the ball.
2011 will be the 3rd year for Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz. Fans should expect great improvement next year. Hopeful Detroit can finally put Matt Millen, and the dark ages of Lions football away, like a recurring childhood nightmare. The 3rd year is critical for the new regime to take ownership of this Lion’s franchise and put their stamp on this team. If the Lions are not competing for a playoff spot at this time next year I’ll be first in line to hold these guys accountable. Given the playmakers they are adding to this team, I expect Detroit to make big strides next year and to be a contender for years to come. So go ahead Lion’s fans, drink that Kool-Aid, it tastes great!