Well, the Lions gave it their all for the 2011 season. They got into the playoffs and gave New Orleans a run for their money. However, a shaky performance by the secondary, and the inability to stop the run when it counted doomed the team to take yet another playoff loss. It's frightening to think that Tim Tebow actually has a playoff win under his belt, yet Matt Stafford doesn't.
The Lions are a legitimate playoff team. They didn't back into the post-season. They won games they had to, contended in some tough games, and won respect throughout the NFL for their tough style of play and prolific air attack. Despite the issues with personal fouls and Ndamukong Suh's suspension, I believe that the Lions are a respected team.
To continue to be respected, the team will have to continue improving. The Lions have done a good job under Martin Mayhew and Jim Schwartz gaining talent through both the draft and their free agency signings. With their entry into the post-season, and the fact that the Lions are still considered "up and coming", Allen Park has now become much more attractive to prospective free agents looking for a home. In regards to the draft, the Lions have had high picks under Schwartz and Mayhew. It's time to find out if they can still pan for gold later in the various rounds of the NFL yearly lottery.
Here's a review of the team on a position by position basis, and whether or not the Lions will have to make some improvements in the off-season.
QB
Matthew Stafford is the real deal. He finally saw his first full season behind center, and responded with the first 5000+ yard season by a Lions signal caller. He is only the fourth QB in NFL history to throw for over 5000 yards in a season. And he's only 23 years old folks. He has the benefit of having Calvin Johnson snagging many of those passes, that is certain. However, watching Stafford play lets you know that Calvin is equally being benefitted by the existence of Stafford tossing the ball to him. What the Lions need to be concerned with is the fact that both their backups at the position are set to become free agents. Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton will both get some interest on the open market. The Lions will likely re-sign one of them, and allow the other to sign with another team. That means they will have to snare a quarterback or two in the off-season. I expect they'll try to sign Hill, and let Stanton walk. I don't expect the Lions to use a draft pick on a QB, but certainly make a play for a top tier undrafted rookie signal caller.
RB
Boy, this is a tricky one. It's still unknown if Jahvid Best will continue his NFL career, or take the advice of many and retire due to his concussion history. Personally, I think he should hang them up. It's one thing to have multiple knee or shoulder injuries, but quite another to have four concussions in three years....at least documented concussions. And at least two of those have been fairly serious. Mikel LeShoure is coming off a devastating Achille's tendon rupture, and that type of injury is generally viewed as being something that permanently affects a player. LeShoure had very quick feet and was able to make quick cuts previous to the injury. It's doubtful he will be able to play in a similar fashion now. However, the Lions signed him to be a power back, not a slasher. Should he return and not have lingering effects, he should be in the mix at the position. The remaining players, Kevin Smith, Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams, will be backups and can't be relied upon as starters. None have been effective. Joique Bell was signed off the Saints practice squad late in the season, and will compete but can't be expected to emerge as the answer. Given the question marks surrounding this position, it wouldn't come as a surprise if the Lions make a play for a proven veteran free agent. And despite having used two high (1st rounder for Best, 2nd rounder for LeShoure) draft picks the past two years on the position, I wouldn't be shocked if they used a high pick yet again on a running back. I wouldn't like it, but I wouldn't be surprised. As for veteran free agents, players like Jason Snelling or Jerious Norwood might be pursued, since they haven't seen much action but are considered quality backups to better players. In the draft, if a player falls in the draft, much like LeShoure did, then the Lions may take the leap and grab him. This is a position that needs some stability. To do that, the Lions need a player who can remain healthy.
TE
Quite honestly, I think the Lions have one of the better trio of players at this position. Pettigrew has emerged as one of the better tight ends in the league, even though he still drops some crucial passes. Tony Scheffler isn't much as a blocker, but can play from the line or from the slot, and is a mismatch for many linebackers and safeties throughout the league. Will Heller is considered a blocking specialist, but has shown himself to be a reliable receiver as well. All three are under contract in 2012. This position should remain unchanged for the third season in a row in 2012.
WR
The Lions wide receiver corps definitely got a boost when the Lions drafted Titus Young 40th overall last year. While he started off slow due to injuries in camp, as the season progressed he showed himself to be fearless running routes over the middle, with reliable hands and a flair for making tough catches. Though he lacks the size to be a true number one receiver, Young should evolve into a solid second receiver for this team. Nate Burleson had an up and down season in 2011, and needs to become a more consistent player for this team. He plays better coming out of the slot than when he is asked to run his patterns from the outside position. He is too easily misdirected off his route at the line by bigger corners. Calvin Johnson has finally shown himself to be the premier receiver in the NFL, and shut the collective mouths of critics like Cris Carter, who felt he was underperforming. After these three players, the remaining roster spots are filled by special teams players at this position. Stefan Logan was barely used as a receiver this season, and both Rashied Davis and Maurice Stovall left much to be desired when asked to take the field on offense. And based on how poorly the special teams play was this season for the Lions, I expect some turnover to take place on the lower rungs of the wide receiver ladder. I'd prefer the Lions to add some younger, hungrier and cheaper players to be their special teamers than to spend money on veterans who don't show the ability to be even somewhat effective when they must step in on offense. Having an effective fourth wide receiver, one that Matt Stafford can trust, would go a long way in making this offense even more dangerous.
OT
Jeff Backus had yet another good season, but the Lions need more. With age a concern, as well as his upcoming status as a free agent, the Lions still don't have a successor at left tackle on their current roster. As we all know, this is the second most important position on offense. Teams simply don't allow really good left tackles to leave. Jason Fox isn't the answer, as he can't remain healthy. John Culbreath has great athletic skill, but with his being on IR for the season, the Lions can't be sure of what they have. Corey Hilliard is a fine backup, but is not starting material. The only thing preventing the Lions from having the left tackle position on the top of their wish list, is the fact that they still have more dire needs on the roster. Still, if a tackle falls in the draft, I expect the Lions will strongly consider picking him even if they re-sign Backus. In free agency, someone like Jared Gaither or Demetrius Bell may get some interest, if their contract demands aren't too ridiculous. At right tackle, the Lions have even more problems. Gosder Cherilus was coming off micro-fracture surgery, so his slow start shouldn't have come as a surprise. But he never really got better as the season wore on, and his boneheaded penalties and other mistakes hurt the team. The Lions have been more than generous in giving Cherilus every possible opportunity to prove himself worthy as a starter. Personally, I'd like to see the Lions cut him and get another right tackle, either through the draft or free agency. But once again, the Lions may be hamstrung in doing so due to their cap situation, and their needs at other positions.
OG
Rob Sims isn't the second coming of Steve Hutchinson, but he's at least more consistent than Stephen Peterman. Sims also isn't a penalty machine, which Peterman is. Certainly Rob Sims has made his share of mistakes, and I'm sure continued coaching and exposure to the offensive scheme will help fix some of those. However, Stephen Peterman is a feast or famine type player. On some plays he seems worthy of All Pro consideration, and on other plays it's like he forgets he's in a football game. The Lions can't establish a running game with Peterman playing like that. Leonard Davis was signed mid-season because Peterman was playing so inconsistently, and that seemed to light a fire under him. However, it shouldn't have to come to that, and besides which Davis will be a free agent come March. On offense, this is the top priority for this team. They must improve their offensive line, and Peterman is the weak link. Carl Nicks would be a nice addition as a free agent, but he will likely command a huge salary. That is something I don't see the Lions doing, spending money like that on an interior offensive lineman. It's a shame, because I think it would dramatically boost their performance. Ben Grubbs is yet another potential player the Lions could look at, but he has had some injury issues that have limited his play. The Lions could consider using their first round pick on this position, and they have a number of players that could be of value that will be available when that time comes.
OC
Dominic Raiola is hailed by the current Detroit coaching staff as an "intelligent, hard working" player for this team. I don't dispute that. Another thing that I don't dispute is the fact that Raiola is undersized in todays NFL, and often gets manhandled by bigger DTs. Shaun Rogers consistently bull rushed Raiola in the Lions NFC playoff game, and Rogers is no longer the game changing DT he was when he graced the Lions roster. While many times the blocking scheme calls for the OG on either side of him to help, there are times where Raiola must block a DT by himself, and it is at those times that he loses more often than he wins. While he may be a great technician and solid at making line calls, none of that makes up for his lack of bulk in those situations. The Lions could kill two birds with one stone in the draft. If they were to elect the top center in the draft, former Wisconsin Badger Peter Konz, he could play guard in his first season (at 6'3" and 320 lbs, he is more than big enough) and then slide over to replace Raiola when the time is right. Like left tackles, teams don't often part with quality starting centers if they can help it. So getting a quality starter in free agency is unlikely. But much like the left tackle position, the team must start looking for the heir to their starting center, and do it soon.
DT
The Lions are pretty much set at defensive tackle, but some moves could be made here. Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley will be the starters in 2012, and Sammie Lee Hill is a valuable backup and rotational player. Hill will be entering his fourth season and will be a restricted free agent. It will be interesting to see how the Lions tender him, as there may be a team or two out there who would gladly part with a fourth round pick to add SLH to their roster. Andre Fluellen rarely saw time on the field, and is likely to be let go. But that will only happen if the Lions keep or replace Corey Williams. Williams wasn't as impressive in 2011 for the Lions as he was in 2010. And his salary is such that he'll either have to agree to a pay cut, or be cut himself. The Lions can ill afford to pay starter money to an obvious backup. While this certainly isn't the most pressing issue on the off-season list of things to do for Mayhew or Tom Lewand, it IS something that will eventually have to be addressed.
DE
Here's where the situation gets complicated for the Lions. Cliff Avril is set to be a free agent. If the Lions franchise him, they will have to pay him an exhorbitant amount of money. While Avril is good, he's definitely not a top 5 DE in the NFL. The Lions wants to extend him, and by all accounts Avril wants to remain. It will all be determined by just how valuable Avril and his agent thinks he is, and if the Lions agree or not. Willie Young is waiting in the wings, and has shown his ability to make plays rushing the passer. However, Young is a liability against the run. Should he continue bulking up, that could change. But in the meantime, Avril is the starter and team leader in sacks. On the other side, Kyle Vandenbosch is an inspirational leader and plays well against both the run and pass. However, he is not ageless, and his production isn't what it used to be. Lawrence Jackson saw some significant playing time in a reserve/rotational role this past season. Both he and KVB will likely remain for the 2012 season. Some draft prognosticators feel the Lions could use one of their top three picks on a DE in this draft. I think this is likely to happen only if the Lions and Cliff Avril part ways in free agency. Otherwise, the Lions will only pick a player at this position high in the draft if one of great value falls to them.
LB
This is a position that generates even more concern for the Lions. DeAndre Levy wasn't all that spectacular at the weakside spot. Too often he overran plays and was easily removed by lead blockers. His pass coverage was spotty, at best. He is slated to be a restricted free agent, and will likely sign his tender and return. Stephen Tulloch was on a one year deal, as was Bobby Carpenter. Carpenter was primarily a backup, but played well enough when pressed into starting duty to earn a new deal and a chance at starting. Tulloch was seen as the potential answer for this team at the Mike spot, but he had what amounts to a disappointing season. While Tulloch did edge out DeAndre Levy for the team lead in tackles, with 111, there were times when he failed to make the play in critical situations when he had the opportunity. Also, late in the season teams were able to routinely take advantage of Tulloch's weakness in pass defense. The seam between his deep drop zone and that of the safeties was targeted time and again successfully by teams like New Orleans and Green Bay. Tulloch struggled to recognize the pass and get back to where he needed to be to prevent the plays, and that hurt the Lions. Detroit will likely do whatever they can to retain Tulloch this off-season, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. He did provide leadership, he did make plays, and he is a proven player. However, I don't know that Tulloch will get as much compensation as he thought he would. With the Lions tip-toeing around the cap, he might price himself out of contention for returning. It is surmised by many that the Lions will try and get a solid linebacking prospect out of this draft. If there is a player of value that falls to them, Detroit would be foolish indeed to pass on such a prospect and remain status quo. Their linebackers were a point of weakness this past season, and any good NFL analyst will be more than happy to tell you that.
CB
Chris Houston and Eric Wright provided the Lions with a better pair of starting corners than this team has seen in quite some time. Even though Wright was victimized more often than the fans and coaches would have liked, he was still one of the best tacklers on the team and provided some stability in the secondary. Chris Houston had another solid season, and his contract has him remaining for 2012. Wright, however, signed a one year deal when he came to Detroit, so he is set to be a free agent. It is anticipated that the Lions will allow Wright to shop himself to determine his market value. There is little doubt that teams will be interested in him, but not all will want him as a starter. Aaron Berry showed promise, but I still think he's too green to be a starter. He fails to turn and find the ball effectively, and doesn't knock receivers off their routes like he needs to. Alfonso Smith once again proved that as a nickel or dime corner, he is very effective. But as a starter, Smith is too easily overwhelmed and incapable of covering the better receivers. Should the Lions lose Eric Wright in free agency, they would be wise to take a hard look at some veterans to sign as a potential starter. There are a few who could be candidates, like Carlos Rogers, Terrell Thomas or Cortland Finnegan. Getting one in the draft is a definite possibility, although one of value is unlikely in round one.
S
In my opinion, this is the area of the defense most in need of improvement. While many hail Louis Delmas as a fringe Pro Bowl player, I feel he is more sizzle than steak. He misses tackles because of his desire to bring a big hit rather than make a solid form tackle. Bigger backs and receivers shake him with ease due to that flaw, and it has cost the Lions on a number of occasions. What makes it worse is that his counterpart, Amari Spievey, seems to have taken the same approach to tackling. Spievey demonstrates better form overall, but still tends to lower his shoulder rather than wrap up. Spievey also seemed to digress in his play throughout the 2011 season, and has some obvious issues in play recognition. Both players take poor angles to the ball carrier, which also results in big plays for the opposition. While the linebackers are supposed to be making the plays along the line of scrimmage, a defenses safeties are supposed to be sure tacklers that cover up those mistakes. Too often that didn't happen this past season, and Delmas was one of the biggest culprits of missing opportunities. He also can't seem to stay healthy. The Lions would do themselves a big favor if they came out of the draft with a solid coverage safety, something neither Delmas nor Spievey qualifies to be. Both are liabilities against the pass, particularly Spievey, a former college corner. The safety play on this team must improve, or the defense will continue to give up big points. Mark Barron is a name being tossed around as a possible pick for the Lions in the first round. I would be more than happy to see the former Crimson Tide player don the Honolulu Blue and Silver.
ST
Jason Hanson is still as steady as ever, and should be brought back if he wishes it. Ryan Donahue ended the season on IR after he displaced Nick Harris as the teams punter. Up to the point of his injury, he wasn't overly impressive, but did enough to warrant being brought back into camp. He will likely face competition from Ben Graham, as well as some undrafted free agent the Lions will undoubtedly bring in. Stefan Logan didn't have a stellar season, mostly because of rules changes to the kick-off and because the remaining members of the special teams units didn't do their jobs very well. Like Donahue, Logan will likely be brought back into camp, but face competition from others.
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