Could the Lions Surprise in 2010?

Parody. Over the last decade, it has defined the landscape of the NFL. Of the 12 teams that made the playoffs after the 2008 season, only six of them returned to the postseason in 2009. The Miami Dolphins memorably went from 1-15 in 2007 to AFC East division champions in 2008. The New Orleans Saints went from last place in the NFC South in 2008 to Super Bowl champions in 2009. Turnarounds like the Dolphins and Saints experienced in the last 2 seasons seem to happen every year in the NFL – although not always to such a drastic extent.

Could 2010 be the year for the Detroit Lions?

The Lions have not reached the playoffs since 1999. Since then, the team has been a consistent occupant of the NFL basement, including their 0-16 season in 2008. The Lions struggled again in 2009, only managing two victories (against the Redskins and Browns). While it was another disappointing season for fans in the Motor City, there were glimpses that showed the Lions may be a lot closer to a resurgence than their record would indicate.

The Lions seem to have found their franchise quarterback in last season’s number one overall pick, Matthew Stafford. Stafford threw for 13 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in his rookie season, but showed improvement throughout the season, including a 422 yard, 5 touchdown performance in the team’s victory over Cleveland. The Lions also have a great target for Stafford in wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who has caught 21 touchdowns in his three-year career.

However, Stafford and Johnson did not have the entire season to develop chemistry as both players missed time due to injury. This was a problem for the entire Detroit offense – at various points in the season, the team was without their number one quarterback, wide receiver, running back (Kevin Smith), and tight end (Brandon Pettigrew). While it is uncertain if Smith and Pettigrew will be ready for the beginning of the season – both are recovering from torn ACLs – this young core of players (along with the addition of free agent wide receiver Nate Burleson) could make for the most exciting Lions offense since Barry Sanders retired.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Lions finished last in the league in total yards and points allowed per game, but compared to 2008, both totals were improved under first year head coach Jim Schwartz. Detroit made defense a priority early this offseason, signing former Tennessee defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch within the first hours of free agency. The Lions are also expected to improve their defensive line in this month’s NFL Draft with the selection of either Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy.

There is no question that the Lions will have a lot of work to do in order to become a playoff contender in 2010. The NFC North will play teams from the AFC and NFC East, but the Lions will have the advantage of playing the Patriots, Jets, and Eagles at home. The Lions could also stand to gain ground on the rest of the division with games against St. Louis and Tampa Bay. However, if the key components on offense can stay healthy and if the newly revamped defensive line can live up to expectations, the Lions could be the surprise team of the 2010 campaign.

Josh Cohick
Halftime Huddle contributing writer