2007 Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions have been the laughing stock of the NFL the last five year losing 10 or more games in each of those seasons. This team has some of the most talented wide receivers in football and they added yet another one in the 2007 NFL Draft in Calvin Johnson from Georgia Tech. But John Kitna more than likely is not the long term QB who is going to make this team better. Let’s explore further in this 2007 Detroit Lions predictions article.

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Rod Marinelli’s arrival in Detroit did not change the tune of this franchise. In fact, the Lions went from winning just five games in 2005 to winning three games in 2006. Despite a terrible year by anyone’s standards Marinelli was able to win over management with his passionate, high energy approach. It should work in his favor that he has Mike Martz in his corner to help build and orchestrate this talented offensive group. These two said out with the old vets and in with the new talent, taking a start from scratch approach and management seems to be backing every decision. As of now, I think Martz is a great fit for this offense, but they must bring in a solid QB and the defense has got to come around if the Lions want to get out of the NFC North basement.

The Lions have far too much offensive talent to be as bad as they were in 2006. We know what Martz’ system looks like when it is hitting on all cylinders. It looks like the 1998 St. Louis Rams. We also know what it looks like when it’s not working — last season’s Lions. The team should adjust to a more wide open style and be more comfortable with Martz’ design in 2007. At times, Martz’ system made QB Jon Kitna look like an All-Pro last season. He led the NFL’s seventh rated passing attack. But a dead last ranked running game keeps this slew of talented receivers from really doing the damage they are capable of as opponents know that Detroit is hoisting it up nearly every down. This seventh ranked passing offense was successful in spite of an offensive line which allowed more sacks than any team but the Raiders last season. Injuries contributed to some of the line’s ineffectiveness, but this unit is going to have to be a hole lot better, especially if Martz looks to get anything out of the ground game. The offense does have promise, but a terrible running game and a bad defense will hurt this unit in 2007.

Rod Marinelli’s defense ranked at or near the bottom of nearly every major statistical category last season. His pedigree is good, coming from Tony Dungy’s camp, but the greatest defensive minds in the game couldn’t have managed any better with what Marinelli had to work with. The Lions ranked 30th in the NFL in points allowed and 28th in yards per game. These numbers acted as an easy enough scapegoat to get Donnie Henderson out and Marinelli’s son in law in as defensive coordinator. The only thing that will keep the Lions out of the gutter in 2007 is, perhaps, the Minnesota Vikings.

By Jeff Alexander – 7/24/2007

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