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**Arizing540** · 02-08-2008, 05:13 AM

2013 Preview

The Lions come into 2013 on the back of their worst ever season. They had real problems on the road only picking up one win and broke even at 4-4 at home. This disappointing record was suffered despite having a more respectable running attack behind a good O line who also protected Jared Mannino very well. Mannino couldn�t translate that protection into an effective passing offense and this remains a question for 2013. On the defensive side of the ball Detroit were effective against the run but struggled against the pass. There were big holes in the defence with the retirement of both Jevon Kearse and Al Wilson. The loss of Kearse affected the Lions strategy in free agency forcing them to pay big dollars to retain 1st rounder Broderick Stokes and to capture Rod Coffey from divisional rivals Minnesota. The Lions then further reinforced their defense with Ike Whittenburg taken with the 9th overall pick but then they couldn�t get him into training camp which certainly delay his impact.

Quarterbacks
Starter Jared Mannino would be a fairy story of the guy who goes undrafted and then starts in the FFL. Unfortunately he just isn�t good enough to get the job done. He is not a disaster but he can�t get the Lions where they need to be in the air. In many ways it was surprising that Detroit weren�t more aggressive in pursuing some of free agent quarterbacks available. If Mannino goes down though it could really get ugly as the back ups are a definite step down.

Running Backs
Johnny Clemens holds the offense together and his promise was realised with a 1139 yards and an average per run of 4.65. This is a guy who can make up for a mediocre passing game. Brandon Jacobs is a battering ram compared to the finesse of Clemens but he is a strong change nevertheless. The fullbacks don�t do much but block in the Lion�s system but they can support in this role effectively.

Receivers
Some answers to the disappointing passing game starts with Braylon Edwards who is just giving what a vet with his ability should. A lacklustre supporting cast meant the Lions reached for Howie Hutton with their third pick. Hutton looks a good prospect and is a big play threat but can have trouble catching the ball. The draft was used to bring in Cornelius Newnam an outstanding TE who if he develops his potential could be a real weapon for the Lions.

Offensive Line
This unit performed really well in 2012 and former 1st round pick Joe Thomas continued his development and promises to be one of the best tackles in the league. Strong support comes from savvy vets Shane Olivea and Hank Fraley. The starters are completed with solid Darryl Coffey and Roy England. The Lions are set here for 2013 and have solid back ups to cover for the inevitable injuries that will come.

Defensive Line
Off season action dominated here with the loss of Kearse and the arrival of both Rod Coffey & Ike Whittenburg.. The big money paid to theses new arrivals however may cause trouble to more than adequate existing defensive tackle Luis Castillo who is in the last year of his contract. As Detroit are already paying big bucks to Jessie Mahelona a lot of cap room is going to the DL. The Lions get their value from the run defence but pressure on the opposing QB needs to step up.

Linebackers
If this unit feels neglected then they would be right short on numbers and quality this is a temporary fix or a road to nowhere. There is talent in both Nicholas and Abrams is there but they shine in a dark backdrop.

Secondary
A solid unit with more than capable starters with the young cornerbacks Madison & Mix particularly promising. The safeties are getting older and there is capable if not outstanding back ups.

Outlook for 2013
Good front office moves have replaced the losses on the DL from retirement and the strength in depth is impressive. Elsewhere there is cause for concern particularly at QB and linebacker. These gaps will keep the Lions from challenging for the divisional title and may see another top ten draft position.

**Arizing540** · 12-29-2008, 10:39 PM

2016 Preview

JP Losman has been surrounded with some very good talent. He does not need to play great for Detroit to have a good year. He just needs to play smart football. Losman needs to let the play makers do their thing. TE Cornelius Newman is a major player in the passing game. He is coming off a monster season were he caught 79 balls. WR Jordy Nelson is another weapon coming off a great rookie season. Defensively they have a solid front 7 lead by DT Whittenburg and MLB McDade. They must get pressure on the QB to make up for a weak secondary.

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