So far, so good.....sort of.

So, after three pre-season games in the 2011 year, here's what we know.

1. Matt Stafford is the real deal.  Despite missing 19 games out of 32 with injuries these past two years, he is looking tremendous.  77% completion, 5 TDs.....all coming against number one defenses.  I questioned the pick when it was made, but no longer.  I was simply wrong about the guy.  Here's to hoping he makes it through the season healthy.

2. The offensive line is doing a great job protecting the quarterbacks.  That is the reason the passing game will be Detroit's bread and butter, more so than the play of Matt Stafford, this coming season.  Now that's all they have to do is keep it up throughout the season.

3. The Lions desperately need to establish a running game, or else teams are going to eventually learn how to disassemble the passing game.  It is the one thing that most concerns me throughout this pre-season, and will continue to do so in the regular season.  Their running game hasn't even been adequate.

4. The Detroit defensive line is just incredibly good.  Ndamukong Suh is picking up right where he left off.  I hope Nick Fairley is taking notes on the sidelines about how to become a destructive force in your rookie year, because that's how it's done.  Pure aggression and the will to dominate.  Add KVB to the mix and I can say that the Lions D-line, with its starters and depth, are the best in the NFL.  Nobody has this much talent, this deep, in their front four.

5. Derrick Williams was given another chance, and has dropped it.  Time for him to go.  I'd prefer the Lions keep Maurice Stovall or Rashied Davis, or both.  At least they can play special teams effectively.

6. The loss of Mikel LeShoure to injury could be bigger than any of us realize.  He was going to be the player most responsible for eating up the clock in a close game down the wire.  Nobody else has stepped into that role, and the Lions need someone to do so.

7. Willie Young could turn out to be a 7th round GEM.  He has impressed me these past two pre-seasons with his play at defensive end.  I liked the pick when it happened, and I like it even more now.  He has great speed off the edge, and has added some muscle to his frame.  Hopefully he'll continue to add some moves to his arsenal. 

Finally, regarding Tom Kowalski...RIP, Killer......was universally loved and respected by colleagues and fans alike.  Even if you didn't agree with his take on things, you had to respect the man for his humor and his dedication to covering what was a pretty sad sack franchise for years.  His loss is a shame, and proof that life isn't fair.  He will be missed.