2009-2010 Detriot Lions Prediction and Preview

Last Season -

Do we really even have to describe how bad the Lions were last year? Detroit broke a lot of records in 2008 and not in any good ways. The Lions were among the worse teams in history last year by becoming the first team to ever go 0-16. Detroit was the only team in the league to rank in the bottom 3 in overall offense and defense. Perhaps the defense was the major problem, but then again the offense could not score a lick. Detroit ranked dead last in overall defense allowing a whopping 404 yards per game on the season. The Lions allowed over 32 points per game to add to the dreaded statistics. The offense failed in nearly every aspect of the game as well. The Lions had the 3rd worse scoring offense in the NFL averaging 16.8 points per contests. Detroit only managed 268 yards of total offense per game on the season along with 33 turnovers ranking near the bottom of every category. Detroit was not only bad, but mad some disappointing moves especially after giving up WR Roy Williams in the middle of the year to the Cowboys. Williams was a forgotten figure in the passing attack in Detroit after posting solid numbers the past few seasons. Calvin Johnson was the only bright spot on offense brining home 78 catches for 1,338 yards and 12 scores. Hopefully not only will Johnson have another big season, but perhaps he will have a young talented quarterback that can get the ball to him heading into 2009.

Off Season -

The Detroit Lions horrible season provided them the first overall pick in this year’s draft. Along with the Roy Williams trade, the Lions also acquired another late first round pick. The Lions chose the promising arm of Matthew Stafford out of Georgia with the 2009 first pick. Stafford has a lot of poise in the pocket and the proven arm strength to make all the throws needed at the next level. Stafford makes a quick delivery and is not afraid to make risky throws. Stafford is also a very smart quarterback as well and with all of those combinations was clearly the best quarterback in the draft. Detroit selected Stafford assuming he could be used right away in helping turn the franchise in the right direction. The Lions also added more talent to the offense by selecting Brandon Pettigrew with the 20th overall pick. Pettigrew is a big time tight end who has exceptional hands to aid the passing game. Pettigrew was a part of the very talented Oklahoma State offense from a year ago and could become a big part of the Lions offense in the near future. After wrapping up these two promising young guys, the Lions addressed the defense with the following 3rd and 4th round selections. Louis Delmas was selected in the 2nd round out of Western Michigan. Delmas is projected to be a force at helping the rush defense opposed to being a great pass defender. However, the talented cornerback like many of the early selections will have a great chance at finding the field early this season. Detroit lost one of their biggest playmakers on defense in CB Leigh Bodden giving the youngster Louis Delmas an even bigger chance to make an impact on that side of the ball.

2009 Preview -

The Lions made some strides in the right direction mainly on the offensive side of the ball. However, their weak offensive line was a big of concern as any heading into the off-season. The Lions should be better offensively and we like to note they played fairly well in some games last year. They should have the opportunity to win a few games if the defense can play better. Of course that is easier said than done. Detroit still has major issues on the defensive side of the ball especially after losing Bodden in the secondary. However, the big need on defense is some guys on the interior. Detroit gave up a lucrative 172 yards against the rush last season which was by far the worse in the NFL. Unfortunately, it does not look like much will change heading into the new season. Hopefully, confidence could play a factor and Detroit could get better effort on both sides of the ball after winning a game early in the season.

2009 Prediction -

It is important for the Lions to get off to the right foot early this season. If they string a couple of losses together, then things could head right back down the same path. Minnesota in week 2 should be a great opportunity for a win considering they lost to the Vikings by a combine 6 points in two games last year. The Lions also get some weaker teams likes St Louis, Seattle, and Cleveland in the opening weeks of the season. While this team still has a lot of work to do, they should find a way to win few games this season.

Pick - 4th in NFC North (3-9 overall)