Detroit Lions 2008 Season Preview

The Detroit Lions are looking to use their newly acquired speed to blow past opponents and into the end zone in 2008.

Detroit Lions Preview: Overview

Starting the season with a flourish, the Detroit Lions sped to a 6-2 record, surprising opponents and fans alike before dropping seven of their last eight games to finish the season with a 7-9 record. This was an improvement on 2006’s 3-13 record but not enough to send the Detroit Lions to the playoffs. 2007 marked the eighth year that the Detroit Lions failed to make the playoffs. The 7-9 record earned the Detroit Lions third place in the NFC North behind the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings but ahead of the Chicago Bears.

Detroit Lions Preview: Offseason

With much room for improvement, the Detroit Lions might not have known where to start making changes in the offseason. The acquisition of defensive back Leigh Bodden from a trade with the Cleveland Browns was a good start. Leigh Bodden comes to the Detroit Lions with 208 career tackles and 12 sacks. Leigh Bodden should dominate the NFC North, a division with decidedly bad passing teams in the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears. The Detroit Lions also signed FS Dwight Smith from the Minnesota Vikings. Dwight Smith’s numbers have declined since playing with Rod Marinelli in Tampa Bay, but returning to Rod Marinelli’s scheme, he should improve decidedly.

Detroit Lions Preview: Offense

Coach Rod Marinelli has implemented a simplified, more efficient offensive system to help the Detroit Lions players get familiar with the playbook and move quicker because they are more knowledgeable of the system; hopes are that this simplified system will help the offense move the ball more effectively. The Detroit Lions are shifting to a run-first mindset to move their offense another step in the right direction. Passing expert Mike Martz established the Detroit Lions passing game. Although Mike Martz is no longer a member of the Detroit Lions staff, QB Jon Kitna still has plenty of targets. One of the most established quarterbacks in the NFL, Jon Kitna will have the pleasure of getting the ball to Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald.

The offensive line is to blame for the majority of the Detroit Lions offensive problems in 2007. The Detroit Lions finished 31st in rushing yards gained. If the Detroit Lions hope to run in 2008, they will need to address the weak offensive line. That is why the Detroit Lions selected Gosder Cherilus in the 2008 NFL Draft. If Gosder Cherilus and the newly implemented zone-blocking scheme can help the offensive line alleviate the pressure on the quarterback and give up less than 54 sacks, Jon Kitna’s numbers should improve and the Detroit Lions offense should put up decent point totals in 2008.

Detroit Lions Preview: Defense

During the 6-2 start to the season, the Detroit Lions offense was not carrying the entire load. The Detroit Lions defense was forcing teams to turn the ball over early in the season. The Detroit Lions racked up 17 interceptions and finished ninth in the NFL with 37 sacks. To improve on their record, the Detroit Lions will have to improve on their pass defense which ranked 31st in the NFL. Leigh Bodden, Brian Kelly and Dwight Smith are expected to help the Detroit Lions pass defense. With the Detroit Lions losing Shaun Rodgers, it will be interesting to see how the loss affects the Detroit Lions pass defense. The Detroit Lions have a group of talented defenders. If the individuals can learn to play together as a team and start to do the little things, the Detroit Lions will improve immensely.

Detroit Lions: Special Teams

K Jason Hanson is a stronghold on the Detroit Lions special teams and is considered one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL. Jason Hanson has remained with the Detroit Lions since 1992. With the changing offensive scheme, the Detroit Lions can count on Jason Hanson to remain consistent. KR Aveion Cason has yet to return a kickoff for a touchdown but in 12 games last season, he gained 1,041 yards with only one fumble in 42 returns.

Detroit Lions Preview: Outlook

The Detroit Lions boast a good passing offense with a corps of receivers that will make life difficult for opposing defensive backs. If the offensive line can provide Jon Kitna with enough time to find his super-talented receivers, the Detroit Lions will claw their way out of NFL mediocrity. The Detroit Lions defense can only get better. Making moves to improve in the stagnant NFC North division might just afford the Detroit Lions a playoff berth in a division that is as wide open as it has ever been.