After the Detroit Lions loss a heart-wrenching first-round playoff game last season – with the help of referees – against the Dallas Cowboys, and following an off-season of interesting draft picks, solid free agent signings, spirited OTAs, minicamp, and four exhibition games, the Lions are ready to roar this upcoming season.
The roar begins Sunday, Sept. 13 on the road, when the Lions open their regular season against the San Diego Chargers.
On offense, look out for rookie running back, Ameer Abdullah, who is expected to give the Lions break-away speed that’s been missed in the running game for a few seasons or more. Yet, Joique Bell remains the Lions’ best power runner to get the tough yards between the tackles. Running back Theo Reddick is expected to again be a vital part of the Lions’ ground attack. Rookie Zach Zenner may prove to be a factor in the running game before the season ends.
The Lions will also field a core of talented receivers and tight ends that will give quarterback Matt Stafford plenty of targets, which includes wide-receivers Calvin Johnson, consider by many to be the best at his positon. There’s also Golden Tate, a premier receiver with the uncanny ability to catch the ball and run for big yards.
Veteran Lance Moore gives the Lions another proven pass catcher that has leadership qualities and a Super Bowl Ring. Tight End Eric Ebron must step up his game and show why the Lions drafted him in the first round in 2014. Tight Ends Timothy Wright and Brandon Pettigrew give Detroit a pair of premium-plus players at this position.
If the offensive line, which includes Manny Ramirez (G), Larry Warford (G), Riley Reiff (T) LaAdrian Waddle (T) Travis Swanson (C) rookie Laken Tomlinson (OG) Cornelius Lucas (T) can block and protect the way that they are expected, it will give Stafford, now in his 7th season, time to make all the necessary throws, and give running backs some open greenery in which to run. With a better Stafford, leading a more balanced Lions’ offense of pass/run, the Lions should be electrifying, fun to watch, and become a points-scoring machine that will be among the league’s best.
On the defensive side of the ball, the loss of Ndamukong Suh is a huge void to fill, but many eyes will be on five-time pro bowler defensive tackle, Haloti Ngata, who has been a dominating force in the NFL 10 seasons. Ngata, who has a Super Bowl ring, is an extremely talented player, and is probably better than Suh against the run.
Additionally, expect a breakout year for Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah, who is ferocious coming off the edge and must be accounted for by offensive units on each snap. Other DEs to watch for impact are Jason Jones, Darryl Tapp, Devin Taylor, and Philip Hunt.
The Lions will also field a very good core of linebackers, helped by the return of Stephen Tulloch, after a season-ending injury last year. His co-workers at linebackers, ready to wreak havoc, are DeAndre Levy, Josh Bynes Travis Lewis, Kyle Van Noy, and Brandon Copeland. A healthy and productive Levy is crucial to the defense.
In the often-questioned secondary, there are several impact players, such as Grover Quinn (FS), James Ihedigbo (SS), Darius Slay (CB), Isa Abdul-Quddus (FS), Rashean Mathis (CB), and Josh Wilson (CB). The two rookies at cornerback are: Alex Carter and Quandre Diggs.
Special teams, coached by Joe Marciano, should be much better, especially the kicking game that was not good for long stretches last season. Punter Sam Martin will be counted on again to provide punts that are long and accurately placed. Veteran field goal kicker Matt Prater is expected to make the big kicks, especially in big moments. Punt and kickoff return duties will be handled by T.J. Jones, and at times, Golden Tate.
With head coach Jim Caldwell fielding a much better team than last season, the Lions should roar at home and on enemy turf. In essence, the offense is expected to click more effectively and efficiently under second-year offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, while defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin, will only accept the best from his D players, which should be a top-five defensive unit, again.
The Lions have a tough schedule, with the first two games played at San Diego and Minnesota, but these players are not, “the same old Lions.” The entire team has something to prove that should propel them into the playoffs.
Prediction for the 2015- 16 season: 11 -5 and advancing past the first round, with a home playoff win.
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