The Detroit Lions: Will the Bags finally come off?

Photo Courtesy of topherkris.com

The Detroit Lions have been the joke of the NFL for the past couple years.  Even when they had a top ranked passing attack, they never were able to make the playoffs.  Now with Jim Schwartz and a solidified defense, the Lions have enough talent to make a run at the playoffs in the next year or two.  The young star-studded offense is another dimension that can help provide a solid attack to help the Lions become part of the NFL elite.  With a solid core of young talent, the Lions will look to make a name for themselves sooner rather than later.

The last time the Detroit Lions were able to break the .500 mark was in the 2000-01 season when quarterback Charlie Batch led them to a 9-7 season, just missing a playoff birth.  The following years were a disaster.  When offensive coordinator Mike Martz was hired, and the Lions had a top 3 passing attack, the Lions still couldn't make it to 8-8.  In 2008, the Lions became only the team in NFL history to go 0-16, the first winless season since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went 0-14 in 1974.

However bleak the outlook may seem, the Lions have more going for them in the coming years than meets the eye.  Head coach Jim Schwartz has assembled a defense that he can win with, bringing in veteran Kyle Vanden Bosch and rookie sensation Ndamukong Suh.  Playing in front of Julian Peterson and Ernie Sims, the front four is the biggest key to a Jim Schwartz defense, and will present serious problems for the NFC offensive attack.

On offense, the Lions have one of the most promising groups of talent lined up.  Quarterback Matt Stafford will return after glimpses of excellence in his rookie season made him a household name (e.g. week 11 vs Cleveland).  Joining him, rookie Jahvid Best will look to add a new dimension to the offense with his elite speed and vision put on display last season at Cal.  Finally, who can leave out Megatron himself, Calvin Johnson.  Johnson is easily one of the best receivers in the NFL, and will look to become the centerpiece of the Detroit attack again this season after a 900 yard season.  

Only time will tell if this young core of talent can reach their potential of being a top NFL competitor, but this blogger is convinced that in the next couple of seasons, the Lions will be making some noise.