Detroit Lions
Offense
With a new regime in Detroit and Joe Lombardi coming over from New Orleans, the Lions’ already dynamic offense could take a leap forward in 2014. Calvin Johnson now has a true No. 2 wide receiver opposite him in free-agent addition Golden Tate, while the team drafted tight end Eric Ebron in the first round to play the Jimmy Graham role.
The Lions have a three-prong backfield of Reggie Bush, Joique Bell and Theo Riddick, and new head coach Jim Caldwell will ensure the unit is more balanced. That’ll go a long in way in Matthew Stafford cutting down turnovers.
Defense
Jim Schwartz left behind a fearsome front four featuring Jason Jones, Ndamukong Suh and Ziggy Ansah, but the line has underperformed given their contracts and where they were drafted. New coordinator Teryl Austin has a strong resume, and given how he’s handled Nick Fairley‘s offseason, he looks to be the guy to set these players straight.
The secondary remains a weakness, but it’ll benefit from the front seven putting forth a solid effort. With offenses like Green Bay and Chicago in the division, the Lions will struggle to get big stops.
Outlook
Caldwell should add an element of discipline to this team, but probably not enough to push them back into postseason consideration in Year 1. His presence does bode well for the likes of Stafford and the offense, and perhaps questionable character players like Suh and Fairley.
Detroit is probably a smidge better than .500 — at least until it proves its defense is worthy of higher consideration. The fact that they’re in such a competitive division gives them a more difficult road to the playoffs … for now.
