After watching the Detroit Lions beat the Washington Redskins yesterday, I am convinced that, after years of ineptitude, the Lions are on the path to becoming a really good team.
They have an excellent defensive line with Ndamukong Suh, Cliff Avril, Corey Williams, and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Each of these monsters controlled the LOS at different points of the game yesterday - which is an indication of how scary this group can be. Suh is probably this year's defensive ROY, Avril is just now coming into his own and gaining some recognition around the league, Williams and Vanden Bosch are wily veterans. I don't know if this is the best DL in the league, but I wouldn't hesitate trading our DL for the Lion's group.
On offense, the Lions have several top quality skill position players: Calvin Johnson, who has to be one of the best WR's in the game; Jahvid Best - perhaps the offensive ROY, if he can stay healthy; Brandon Pettigrew, a raw, but talented, TE; and Matthew Stafford, who can make all the throws.
Stafford is just learning the game. He makes mistakes in reading coverages and at times makes the wrong throws. But, I was impressed by his accuracy and arm strength. He is simply going to be a star (again, if he can stay healthy). Shaun Hill is a quality backup QB.
Best and Kevin Smith are a nice one-two punch at RB (something that we really don't have).
Of course, the Lions have holes. They need help along the offensive line and in the defensive secondary. They can also use another WR. But, the dreary days of Matt Millen's leadership are over. The front office seems to have their act together (finally). Jim Schwartz has assembled a quality coaching staff with Scott Linehan and Gunther Cunningham being two competent, veteran coordinators.
It's a good thing we played them early in the season. Yesterday's win could be a turning point for this team. Watch out! The Lions are going to be a force to be reckoned with from this point forward.
They have an excellent defensive line with Ndamukong Suh, Cliff Avril, Corey Williams, and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Each of these monsters controlled the LOS at different points of the game yesterday - which is an indication of how scary this group can be. Suh is probably this year's defensive ROY, Avril is just now coming into his own and gaining some recognition around the league, Williams and Vanden Bosch are wily veterans. I don't know if this is the best DL in the league, but I wouldn't hesitate trading our DL for the Lion's group.
On offense, the Lions have several top quality skill position players: Calvin Johnson, who has to be one of the best WR's in the game; Jahvid Best - perhaps the offensive ROY, if he can stay healthy; Brandon Pettigrew, a raw, but talented, TE; and Matthew Stafford, who can make all the throws.
Stafford is just learning the game. He makes mistakes in reading coverages and at times makes the wrong throws. But, I was impressed by his accuracy and arm strength. He is simply going to be a star (again, if he can stay healthy). Shaun Hill is a quality backup QB.
Best and Kevin Smith are a nice one-two punch at RB (something that we really don't have).
Of course, the Lions have holes. They need help along the offensive line and in the defensive secondary. They can also use another WR. But, the dreary days of Matt Millen's leadership are over. The front office seems to have their act together (finally). Jim Schwartz has assembled a quality coaching staff with Scott Linehan and Gunther Cunningham being two competent, veteran coordinators.
It's a good thing we played them early in the season. Yesterday's win could be a turning point for this team. Watch out! The Lions are going to be a force to be reckoned with from this point forward.
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